The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is rated at 30 percent, effective October 25, 2002. The Veteran seeks a higher rating for this condition.,The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is rated at 20 percent, effective October 25, 2002. The Veteran seeks a higher rating for this condition.,For the right leg radiculopathy and neurologic manifestations associated with the lumbar spine disability, the Veteran was granted noncompensable ratings prior to May 7, 2009, and entitlement to a compensable rating thereafter.,For the left leg radiculopathy and neurologic manifestations associated with the lumbar spine disability, the Veteran was granted noncompensable ratings prior to May 7, 2009, and entitlement to a compensable rating thereafter.
The deciding factor: The amended regulations for intervertebral disc syndrome were made effective in September 2002, and revised regulations for all other disabilities of the spine were made effective in September 2003. The Veteran's claims are evaluated under both sets of criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 5, 2011
- Citation
- 1113412
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 1113412.
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.
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The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and requires an additional VA examination for the Veteran's back disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence in support of the Veteran's previously denied service-connection claim for a back condition to include degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease. The case is being remanded for further review.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service.
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