The veteran's back strain, muscle spasm was initially rated at 10 percent prior to July 26, 1999 and increased to 20 percent as of that date. The current evaluation is appropriate given the evidence showing chronic pain with some limitation in motion.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports show consistent complaints of low back pain and muscle spasms, which resulted in functional limitations but did not meet criteria for higher evaluations due to lack of incapacitating episodes or intervertebral disc syndrome requiring bed rest and treatment by a physician.
- Claimed conditions
- Status Post Back Strain, Muscle Spasm
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 21, 2004
- Citation
- 0426084
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 0426084.
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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