The Board has determined that the initial 20 percent rating for chronic low back pain with right L5-S1 radiculopathy was appropriate for the period preceding April 7, 1997. For the period beginning from April 7, 1997 to September 22, 2002, an initial 40 percent rating is granted.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back pain and radiculopathy were found to be severe enough to warrant a higher initial rating of 40 percent from April 7, 1997 onwards.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic low back pain with right L5-S1 radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 7, 2003
- Citation
- 0326669
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 0326669.
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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