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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0119090.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 40 percent for his low back disability was denied, and the Board granted entitlement to TDIU based solely on service-connected low back disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disorder is reopened.,An effective date prior to June 23, 2017, for the grant of service connection for PTSD and DEA is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for failed back syndrome is remanded due to the inadequacy of the July 2017 VA spine examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a failed back syndrome was denied in March 1974. The Board found that the March 1974 decision became final and thus, an earlier effective date is not granted.
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