The veteran's low back disorder with degenerative changes has been granted a 20 percent rating, effective from September 14, 1998. The appeal for increased ratings and total disability based on unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is denied.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the current symptoms of chronic pain, decreased sensation in the left lower extremity, and flexion limitation to 75 degrees do not warrant a higher rating than the currently assigned 20 percent for low back disorder with degenerative changes. The veteran's unemployability due to service-connected disabilities is also denied.
- Claimed conditions
- Osteoarthritis and/or Degenerative Joint Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 16, 2002
- Citation
- 0218180
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 0218180.
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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