The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent for his service-connected degenerative disc disease from L3 to S1 with neuropathy of both lower extremities was denied. The Veteran was granted a TDIU rating, and the claim for a temporary total rating beyond June 30, 2003, due to convalescence following surgery was dismissed.
The deciding factor: The service-connected lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 60 percent as it did not demonstrate pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome prior to surgery and no ankylosis or separate neurological findings were shown.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease from L3 to S1, Neuropathy of both lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- September 9, 2011
- Citation
- 1133543
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 1133543.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and he is granted a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The VA examiners found no evidence of neuropathy in the Veteran's upper or lower extremities, and thus denied service connection for these conditions.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease from L3 to S1 was caused by her service-connected bilateral knee and right ankle disabilities, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal to reopen a claim of service connection for PTSD is granted.,The claims for mesothelioma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), neuropathy of both lower extremities, hypertension, and eye disability are being REMANDED for further development.
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