The Veteran's appeal for an increased disability evaluation for his lumbar muscle strain with a history of low back pain, L5-S1 intervertebral disc space narrowing, and an osteophyte was granted by the Board. The effective date is not specified as it was recharacterized from 20 percent to 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder was previously rated at 20 percent and increased to 40 percent effective September 26, 2003.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar muscle strain, L5-S1 intervertebral disc space narrowing, osteophyte
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 9, 2009
- Citation
- 0938719
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 0938719.
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 left knee patellofemoral syndrome and lumbar muscle strain are granted service connection as they are related to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's left foot disability. The Veteran's service treatment records show complaints and corn removal surgery, but the August 2023 VA examiner did not consider this evidence in their opinion.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted his claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for osteophyte and post traumatic arthritis of the distal interphalangeal joint of the right thumb, finding that the evidence is at least evenly balanced as to whether this disability had its onset in service.
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