The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 40 percent from October 28, 2019 to November 1, 2022. The VA increased the rating to 100 percent effective November 2, 2022.,SMC was granted for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities from December 2, 2020 to November 1, 2022.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the Veteran had unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine and awarded a 100 percent rating effective November 2, 2022.,The Veteran's additional service-connected disabilities (combined) met the criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease with retrolisthesis and spondylosis, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar spine disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 100%
- Decision date
- May 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23025849
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 23025849.
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 Veteran's appeals for a higher rating, compensable rating, and extension of temporary total evaluation for his lumbar spine disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing all claims in April 2022.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective October 23, 2024.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for bowel and/or bladder disability, as well as other claims related to his spine and knee conditions, has been dismissed due to the death of the Veteran. The Board does not have jurisdiction to adjudicate these matters.
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