The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his lumbar spine disability was granted, with a current evaluation of 20 percent. Separate compensable ratings were granted for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy effective from specific dates. Service connection for irritable bowel syndrome was also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability resulted in objective findings of mild to moderate left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, which warranted separate compensable ratings under the appropriate diagnostic codes. The service-connected IBS met the criteria as a qualifying chronic disability for purposes of 38 C.F.R. § 3.317.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with bilateral sacroiliac joint ankylosis, Irritable bowel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 21, 2017
- Citation
- 1734118
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 1734118.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to errors in the initial decision and a need for additional medical opinions regarding the Veteran's gastrointestinal condition and right shoulder disability.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection of irritable bowel syndrome (claimed as IBS-Gulf War Syndrome) due to withdrawal by the Veteran. The claim for tinnitus was granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for SMC(t) prior to October 16, 2024 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a need for higher level aid and attendance before this date.,For the earlier effective dates of service connection for erectile dysfunction and grant of SMC(k), the claim was also denied as there was no factual basis to establish entitlement prior to April 27, 2022.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
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