The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for low back strain, hepatitis, bilateral tinea pedis with ingrown toenails, polyneuropathy of the right upper extremity, and polyneuropathy of the left upper extremity have been denied. The RO assigned a 20 percent rating for low back strain effective September 8, 2003, under DC 5292 (prior to September 26, 2003).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back strain does not meet the criteria for higher ratings as it is not manifested by severe limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain, Hepatitis, Bilateral Tinea Pedis with Bilateral Ingrown Toenails, Polyneuropathy, Right Upper Extremity, Polyneuropathy, Left Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 16, 2010
- Citation
- 1030530
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 1030530.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's service-connected low back strain with degenerative arthritis, effective from September 26, 2008. The decision is based on functional limitation equivalent to forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less due to pain and other symptoms.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's low back strain is rated at 40 percent, and the issues of IBS and CFS are dismissed. The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder with a major depressive episode do not meet criteria for a higher rating. Service connection is granted for cervical strain and right knee pain.
- Denied
The Veteran's low back strain disability was denied a higher rating prior to July 20, 2020. Separate ratings of 10 percent were granted for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic and femoral nerves in the lower extremities from July 20, 2020.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that his alcohol-related causes of death were etiologically linked to a service-connected disability.
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