The Veteran's service-connected degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine are currently rated at 20 percent, effective April 13, 2005. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for this condition prior to June 6, 2006 or after that date.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's back pain and limited range of motion were due to his service-connected degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine, with no evidence of radiculopathy in either leg.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine, Bursitis of the left hip
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 5, 2012
- Citation
- 1237853
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 1237853.
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's degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine and pubic symphysis are granted service connection as they were shown in service. The left shoulder disability is denied as there is no evidence it began during active service or is related to an in-service injury.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a rating increase from 20% to 40% for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a rating increase from 10% to 20% for duodenal ulcer is dismissed due to withdrawal of the claim.,The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for a rating increase for service-connected bursitis of the left hip is dismissed due to withdrawal of the claim.,The Veteran's appeal for a rating in excess of 10% for ganglion cyst of the right hand is dismissed due to withdrawal of the claim.,The Veteran's appeal for painful limitation of motion of the left ankle is granted.,The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a fractured right middle finger is granted.,The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for a left ankle disorder is granted.,The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for right hip bursitis is granted.,The Veteran's petition to reopen his claim for service connection for atopic dermatitis is denied.,The Veteran's appeal for service connection for a liver disorder is dismissed.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative changes of the lower lumbar spine and residuals of a right ankle injury were denied. The Board found that prior to February 11, 2013, the Veteran's residuals of a right ankle injury did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent. On and after February 11, 2013, his residuals met the criteria for a 20 percent rating.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy, bursitis of the hips, and calf pain. The veteran's service-connected disabilities alone did not render him unemployable.
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