The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative joint disease was granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent, effective from July 27, 2007. Bilateral hearing loss was not service-connected and thus no rating is assigned.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability met the criteria for a higher evaluation based on its severity and symptoms, including abnormal curvature of the lumbar spine due to low back spasm. Bilateral hearing loss did not meet the criteria for any evaluation as it was only manifested by Level II hearing in both ears.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 11, 2011
- Citation
- 1109660
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1109660.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral degenerative joint disease and herniated nucleus pulposus (lumbar spine disorder) was denied as the disability does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbosacral degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, right elbow degenerative joint disease, and others, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective August 13, 2021.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his back disability was denied, and he is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating beyond this level during the period from July 1, 2013 through September 6, 2018. For the period since September 7, 2018, the criteria for a higher rating were also not met.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbosacral degenerative joint disease as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.
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