The Board found that the veteran's low back disability warranted a rating of 60 percent, which is higher than the initial 40 percent assigned in March 2001. The disability was characterized by constant pain and radiating symptoms to the lower legs, with diminished sensitivity and reflexes of the left lower leg.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner provided detailed observations on the veteran's functional limitations due to his low back injury, including flare-ups causing substantial limitation in walking and standing for extended periods. The examination findings supported a higher rating based on the severity of the disability.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a low back injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- May 30, 2008
- Citation
- 0817885
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 0817885.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for residuals of a low back injury is remanded due to the need for additional evidence, including SSA records and medical records from Brackenridge Hospital in Austin, Texas, and UVA Hospital System.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to incomplete development, including failing to schedule and notify him of examinations. The issues are now pending again for further development.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the service connection claims for residuals of a low back injury and post-traumatic headaches due to the Veteran's death.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for residuals of a low back injury and degenerative arthritis, but denied service connection for a cervical spine disability. The low back condition is presumed to have existed prior to service and was aggravated by an in-service pool injury.
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