The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to September 14, 2004. From September 14, 2004 to October 29, 2007, the Veteran's disability warranted a rating of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The December 2004 VA examination showed that from September 14, 2004 to October 29, 2007, the Veteran had forward flexion limited to 70 degrees with painful motion and no more than a combined range of motion of 220 degrees. X-rays showed degenerative disc disease but not muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 7, 2012
- Citation
- 1227104
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 1227104.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to his service-connected low back degenerative disc disease and posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Denied
The Veteran's failure to report for a VA examination scheduled in October 2022 resulted in the denial of his claim for TDIU prior to March 28, 2017.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that another remand is necessary to obtain an addendum opinion addressing the Veteran's service-connected knee disabilities' potential impact on his obesity and whether it contributed to or aggravated his low back degenerative disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inconsistencies in its handling of the Veteran's back and right wrist claims. The case is now pending for further examination and opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's current right wrist disability.
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