The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for mechanical low back pain was granted, with a disability rating of 40 percent effective July 31, 2008. The decision also addressed the earlier effective date for service connection for seizures.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran had significant limitation of motion and mild incomplete paralysis of the left external cutaneous nerve, which warranted a higher disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical Low Back Pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 4, 2009
- Citation
- 0941969
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 0941969.
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 Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development and examination of his lumbar conditions, including radiculopathy. The TDIU claim prior to May 26, 2021, remains on hold as it is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the previously denied claims for PTSD, mechanical low back pain, arthritis, and left hand injury. However, further development is needed as new VA examinations are required to determine the nature and etiology of these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment for which his education and occupational experience would otherwise qualify him.
- Granted
The Board found that the evidence was at least in equipoise, granting service connection for the cause of the Veteran’s death due to his motor vehicle accident caused by medications taken for his service-connected anxiety disorder.
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