The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine was granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent. The effective date for this grant is set at October 31, 2007.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed significant functional loss due to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability but did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 23, 2013
- Citation
- 1316955
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 1316955.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 40 percent for major depressive disorder is denied. The claim for TDIU is granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's degenerative changes of the lumbosacral spine and spondylolisthesis due to a spinal fusion postoperative with scar are rated at 40 percent from May 4, 2009, to present (exclusive of the period of a total disability rating from November 16, 2009, to December 31, 2009).
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is being remanded for additional examination and rating considerations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of consideration of additional evidence and the need for a new VA examination.
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