The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected lumbar spine disability was granted, with the highest possible evaluation of 40 percent being assigned since April 12, 2007.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability resulted in forward flexion ranging from 30 degrees to 60 degrees and a combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 40 percent rating under the revised General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic musculoskeletal low back pain with dorsal column stimulator implant
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 3, 2011
- Citation
- 1117071
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 1117071.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, and schizoaffective disorder with major depressive disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete information and consent to obtain private records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The case is being remanded for additional development due to the submission of new evidence. The veteran seeks an increased rating for his service-connected back disorder, and the RO will determine if any changes in rating are warranted based on this new evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected back disorder are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records, as well as SSA records. The case will be readjudicated after these records have been obtained.
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