The veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic low back strain, superimposed on degenerative disc disease at L4-5, L5-S1, with Grade II L5-S1 anterolisthesis was granted. His claims for a higher rating for peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity associated with diabetes mellitus were denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the veteran's symptoms were worse and had no history of trauma or injurious episodes, but his back is degenerative in nature and should get worse. The veteran reported having flares every day which limit his motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic low back strain, Degenerative disc disease at L4-5, L5-S1, Grade II L5-S1 anterolisthesis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- November 28, 2008
- Citation
- 0841002
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 0841002.
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 Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic low back strain and degenerative arthritis of the left wrist, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The appeals are being remanded for additional examinations and consideration.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inconsistencies in prior examinations and insufficient information regarding the Veteran's disability picture.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected back and skin disabilities do not render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, thus his claim for TDIU is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the left wrist and chronic low back strain due to inadequate examination reports that did not address the Veteran's reported flare-ups.
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