The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of the June 2009 rating decision. He also received separate ratings for right and left sciatic nerve impairment.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine resulted in forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but no greater than 60 degrees, which is analogous to a disability rated at 20 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Spinal Stenosis, Neuropathy affecting sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 19, 2013
- Citation
- 1326355
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 1326355.
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 Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, including diagnosed degenerative arthritis with DDD other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis status post L3, L4, and L5 laminectomy. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury and his ongoing symptoms since then.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found the reduction in rating for spinal stenosis, lumbar disc disease, and Schmorl's nodes from 20% to 10% was improper. The 20% rating is restored. However, the issues of increased ratings for left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and ankle conditions are remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his low back disability is denied. The effective date of SMC and DEA benefits based on permanent and total disability status is granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound status or the need for regular aid and attendance was denied as there is no evidence of significant disabilities that would require such benefits.
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