The veteran's claim for an increased evaluation of his service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective December 6, 2000. The appeal for an earlier effective date than June 30, 1997, for the increase in disability evaluation was denied.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show that there had been an increase in disability within one year prior to the receipt of the veteran's claim on June 30, 1997. The Board found that a 20 percent rating is appropriate for the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Lumbosacral Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 6, 2000
- Citation
- 0031776
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 0031776.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's left hip disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension, and his lumbosacral strain is rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that neither condition warrants a higher rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain is currently rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or functional impairment equivalent to such.,The Veteran's neurogenic bladder condition has been assigned a maximum rating of 60 percent and does not warrant higher ratings.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was granted. The rating for his chronic lumbosacral strain was reduced from 20% to 10%, but the Board found this reduction improper and restored the original 20% rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD and chronic lumbosacral strain are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.