The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a compression fracture at T-11 with spondylolisthesis and degenerative joint disease are rated at 40 percent since June 4, 2008. He also receives a noncompensable rating for associated erectile dysfunction due to the service-connected condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examination confirmed that the Veteran's symptoms have worsened such that his forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine is now limited to 30 degrees or less, warranting a higher 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5243. The erectile dysfunction is also considered part and parcel of his service-connected condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Compression fracture at T-11 with spondylolisthesis and degenerative joint disease, Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 1, 2013
- Citation
- 1314424
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 1314424.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bladder cancer, erectile dysfunction, and gouty arthropathy due to outstanding VA treatment records not being obtained. The Veteran's request for a referral to a urologist for ED is also remanded. A VA medical opinion is needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's gouty arthropathy and his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial claim for a disability rating of 70 percent for cognitive impairment with sleep disturbance associated with Parkinson's disease is granted. The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is rated at 30 percent prior to August 24, 2024 and 40 percent thereafter. Tinnitus is assigned the maximum schedular rating of 10 percent. ED is denied.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals for service connection for GERD, higher ratings for lumbar spine and right wrist disabilities, and ED. The Veteran's ED is found to be caused by his service-connected hypertension.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for GERD and ED have been granted as service connection is established due to these conditions being linked to his service-connected anxiety disorder.
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