The Veteran's lumbar strain did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 5, 2020 and 40 percent thereafter. The Veteran was also denied TDIU.

The Board granted an effective date of October 1, 1973, for the award of service connection for a lumbar spine disability but remanded the issue of entitlement to an initial rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 4, 2022, and in excess of 40 percent thereafter.

The veteran was granted a total rating based on individual unemployability due to a service-connected disability (TDIU) from April 28, 2017, and basic eligibility for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) as well as special monthly compensation (SMC) based on housebound criteria were established from the same date.

The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 7, 2021, as his service-connected disabilities did not render him unable to obtain and secure substantially gainful employment during that period.

The Board denied service connection for PTSD and a higher disability rating for lumbar strain, as well as service connection for eczema and a right hip condition.