The Veteran's low back strain disability is rated at 20 percent, effective from the date of his May 2003 rating decision. A separate 10 percent rating for left lower extremity neuropathy is granted since November 12, 2003.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's low back strain disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. However, his left lower extremity neuropathy warranted a separate compensable rating effective from November 12, 2003.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbosacral strain, Left lower extremity neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 22, 2009
- Citation
- 0919436
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 0919436.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left lower extremity neuropathy require additional development due to missing medical evidence, specifically an EMG from June 2023. The VA examinations also did not consider the ameliorative effects of medication on the severity of the disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both due to herbicide exposure, is granted.,Service connection for GERD secondary to PTSD is also granted. The Veteran has left lower extremity neuropathy but no current diagnosis of left upper or right lower extremity neuropathy.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and neuropathy of the extremities due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The claims for a sinus disorder and facial skin disorder were remanded.
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