The Veteran's claims for higher ratings have been granted, with a 20 percent rating assigned effective from August 29, 2005. The decision does not specify the exact date of effectiveness for the new rating.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the Veteran's lumbar spine condition met the criteria for a 20 percent evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine effective August 29, 2005. The cervical spine condition was rated at 30 percent prior to October 23, 2013, and 60 percent thereafter.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, hiatal hernia with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, hepatitis C with early cirrhosis
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 4, 2015
- Citation
- 1533004
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1533004.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the claims on appeal, including obtaining any outstanding treatment records and scheduling VA examinations to assess the current severity of service-connected disabilities. The Veteran's representative also requested reevaluation of his service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service-connected. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including sinusitis, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, sleep disturbances, a right knee disability, osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, allergic rhinitis, and patellofemoral syndrome with degenerative arthritis in the left knee. The Board found that there was insufficient evidence to support these claims.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.
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