The Board restored the 40% rating for the service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and herniated disc status post L5-S1 disc replacement effective June 25, 2024, and granted an initial 10% rating for a surgical scar on the anterior trunk.
The deciding factor: The reduction of the lumbar spine disability rating was improper as it was not based on the entire record history of the disability. The Veteran's anterior trunk surgical scar is painful and no larger than 6.5 sq. cm., warranting a 10% rating under DC 7804.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and herniated disc status post L5-S1 disc replacement, Erectile dysfunction (claimed as secondary to lumbar strain), Surgical scar, anterior trunk
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 1, 2025
- Citation
- A25056608
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
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