The Board denied the appellant's claim for an increased evaluation of his lumbar spine disability, finding that the current level of disability is consistent with moderate lumbosacral strain or moderate limitation of motion. The July 1969 rating decision assigning a single 30 percent evaluation for GSW residuals was not found to contain clear and unmistakable error (CUE).
The deciding factor: The clinical evidence does not support an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as the appellant's disability is characterized by slight limitation of motion with no additional neurological symptoms or severe impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 10, 2002
- Citation
- 0214157
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 0214157.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his lumbar spine disability has been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as there was no unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
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