The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and sciatica have been rated at the maximum allowable under current criteria. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s symptoms, as described by his testimony and medical records, do not meet or approximate the criteria for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain or 20 percent for sciatica under the applicable VA rating criteria. The evidence does not support a finding of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine for lumbosacral strain, nor does it indicate severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbosacral Strain, Sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 25, 2010
- Citation
- 1011195
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 1011195.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several conditions have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing his appeals.,The Board has not assigned a specific rating or effective date as the claims are being remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found a pre-decisional error in the denial of the Veteran's request to change his vocational rehabilitation goal from diesel technology to obtaining a music degree. The case is being remanded for further evaluation and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection and increased ratings have been granted, with effective dates set at October 18, 2023. The lumbosacral strain has also received a higher initial rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are being remanded due to the need for further medical examinations and evaluations. The issues include psychiatric disabilities, lumbosacral strain, plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, prostate disability, erectile dysfunction, hearing loss, nasal disability, and pulmonary disability.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.