The Veteran's back disability, characterized by back sprain, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and degenerative disc disease (DDD) with muscle imbalance in the pelvic girdle, was evaluated at a 20% rating prior to February 5, 2009. After February 5, 2009, the Veteran's disability warranted an increased evaluation to 40%. The current 40% rating is effective from February 5, 2009.
The deciding factor: The VA examination conducted in February 2009 showed that the Veteran’s range of motion for her thoracolumbar spine was limited (10 degrees flexion to 20 degrees extension), which met the criteria for a 40% rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- back sprain, degenerative joint disease (DJD), degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 21, 2009
- Citation
- 0931533
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 0931533.
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 connection claims for degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome, spinal stenosis, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica have been granted as they are related to his active duty service.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbar strain, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, is causally related to service. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a neck/cervical spine disability, finding that his current condition is at least as likely as not related to active duty service.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all issues of service connection due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
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