The VA has granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected chronic low back strain with degenerative changes, effective from January 31, 2001.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's symptoms, as evidenced by his physical examination and medical records, warranted a 20 percent evaluation based on moderate limitation of motion in the lumbar spine due to pain, muscle spasm on extreme forward bending, and slight loss of lateral spine motion.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic low back strain, degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 25, 2003
- Citation
- 0303240
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 0303240.
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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The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and lumbosacral strain, based on the Veteran's consistent account of having low back problems since service.
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