The Veteran's postoperative lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome is currently rated at 40 percent, and the initial evaluation for a surgical scar of the lumbar area prior to January 26, 2013, has been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability was found to meet criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine due to its impact on range of motion and associated symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, Surgical scar of the lumbar area
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2022
- Citation
- 22036565
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 22036565.
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for increased evaluations of the service-connected lumbar spine disability and surgical scar is dismissed.,The appeals for initial compensable evaluation for a surgical scar of the lumbar area prior to January 26, 2013, and initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a surgical scar of the lumbar area on or after January 26, 2013 are dismissed.,The appeal for entitlement to TDIU prior to December 31, 2013 is dismissed.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected postoperative lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome is the primary cause of his surgical scar of the anterior trunk (abdomen). Service connection for this condition is granted effective from October 10, 2013.
- Denied
The Board found that the veteran's back disability was not caused by the VA-administered spinal anesthetic in December 1993, but rather related to his pre-existing prostate cancer and metastases. The treatment did not result in additional disability.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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