The Board has determined that the veteran is entitled to a 20 percent disability rating for low back strain from October 2, 1995, to May 6, 1997. Effective May 6, 1997, the criteria for a higher rating have not been met.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms of pain and muscle spasm on extreme forward bending were present from October 2, 1995, to May 6, 1997, meeting the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5295. Since then, there is no evidence of muscle spasm.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain, Bilateral chondromalacia of the knees with associated tendonitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 25, 2000
- Citation
- 0022651
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 0022651.
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 remands the claim for an increased rating for low back strain to correct a pre-decisional duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including the side effects of medication taken to treat his back disability, precluded substantially gainful employment consistent with his education and occupational experience.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for his low back strain based on the evidence showing that the disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for low back strain and a rating in excess of 20 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve after April 26, 2024. However, it granted a 20 percent rating for the left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve prior to that date and remanded the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disability.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.