The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine, effective November 1, 2007, was denied. The issue regarding separate disability ratings for urinary hesitancy and nocturia as neurologic residuals of service-connected spinal stenosis prior to September 7, 2007, was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine due to limited range of motion and no associated neurologic impairment that required bed rest.
- Claimed conditions
- Spinal Stenosis of the Lumbar Spine, Degenerative Disc Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 19, 2016
- Citation
- 1633028
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 1633028.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's PTSD resulted in occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity, warranting a 70% disability rating. The Veteran also met the criteria for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities preventing him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty to assist error and requires an additional VA examination for the Veteran's back disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence in support of the Veteran's previously denied service-connection claim for a back condition to include degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease. The case is being remanded for further review.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a need for a VA examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of the Veteran's back disability, including whether it is related to service.
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