The veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his left shoulder disability from February 9, 1998, is rated at 20 percent. The sinus disability is rated at 10 percent. The chronic undifferentiated somatoform pain disorder is rated at 50 percent as of January 11, 2000.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability has been found to be severe with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy and demonstrable muscle spasm, warranting a 60 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5293. The left shoulder disability from February 9, 1998, is rated at 20 percent as it meets the criteria for a higher rating based on persistent symptoms of pain and weakness. The sinus disability is rated at 10 percent due to recurrent infections with nasal congestion, discharge, headaches, and postnasal drip. The chronic undifferentiated somatoform pain disorder is rated at 50 percent from January 11, 2000, based on the severity of his symptoms resulting in severe disability.
- Claimed conditions
- failed back syndrome, left shoulder acromioclavicular separation with myofascial pain syndrome and reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- July 23, 2001
- Citation
- 0119090
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 0119090.
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
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