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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1227104.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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