The veteran's low back strain and mild osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine are currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of an injury to the left index finger are denied as they do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating. Total disability based on individual unemployability is also denied.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back strain and mild osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine have been rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The increased ratings for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of an injury to the left index finger do not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain, Mild osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 21, 2008
- Citation
- 0805910
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 0805910.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hearing loss and low back strain claims are remanded for further evaluation. The hearing loss claim is denied, while the low back strain claim requires additional examination to determine its severity.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, left shoulder, and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) based on evidence showing a causal relationship to in-service events or injuries.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed because the March 2020 rating decision, which granted service connection for a low back strain, was never issued and therefore not an appealable decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected low back strain was denied, as the current severity of his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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