The veteran's service-connected mechanical low back strain and cervical strain have been granted, but the initial ratings assigned are 10 percent for both conditions. The left knee disorder has also been granted with a noncompensable evaluation.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not reveal any neurological deficits or significant impairment in motor skills, muscle function, or strength related to the cervical strain and mechanical low back strain. For the left knee, there was painful motion but no other identified neurological disorders associated with the condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical Low Back Strain, Cervical Strain (Degenerative Disc Disease)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 6, 2007
- Citation
- 0738366
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 0738366.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's mechanical low back strain and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, status post-operative C6-C7 fusion with residual scar are currently rated at 20 percent. The Board denied a higher rating for both conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for major depressive disorder, mechanical low back strain, and left hamstring tendonitis were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating than 30 percent for MDD, 10 percent for mechanical low back strain, or 10 percent for left hamstring tendonitis.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for sleep apnea is remanded, and the reduction of his disability rating for mechanical low back strain from 40% to 20% is granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at the highest available rating of 70 percent, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment. The other service-connected conditions are not rated higher.
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