The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, characterized by recurrent strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, is currently rated at 40 percent. The Board has determined that a higher rating of 60 percent is warranted for the period from September 23, 2002, based on more severe symptoms including persistent sciatic neuropathy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability manifested by intervertebral disc syndrome with radiculopathy was found to be more severely disabling after September 23, 2002, warranting a higher rating of 60 percent under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Recurrent low back strain, Degenerative arthritis, Intervertebral disc syndrome with radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 24, 2009
- Citation
- 0931656
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0931656.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 a back disability is being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors and the need for a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to October 11, 2022 and since December 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and a lumbosacral strain, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings for his back disability, but the VA examinations from the period under review are inadequate. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain an opinion as to the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's back disability during the period under review.
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