The Veteran's DJD and DDD of the lumbosacral spine was granted a 40% rating from November 25, 2007 to March 7, 2012. The appeal for higher ratings is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant the next highest rating of 60%. However, a lower rating was granted as there were no findings of ankylosis and the Veteran's disability had improved over time.
- Claimed conditions
- organic mental syndrome with posttraumatic stress disorder, degenerative joint and disc disease of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 14, 2017
- Citation
- 1727494
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 1727494.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's back condition is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board has remanded to determine if a higher rating is warranted due to flare-ups caused by prolonged sitting, standing or laying down.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete information and need for additional examinations. The Veteran's back disability is being evaluated again, including a new VA examination and retrospective opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a need for additional development, including obtaining new evidence and scheduling an examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to January 16, 2009.
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