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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0218180.
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
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- Denied
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- Granted
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