The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 20 percent for service-connected low back strain, on an extraschedular basis, is denied.,The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is denied.
The deciding factor: The available schedular evaluations adequately describe the Veteran's disability level and symptomatology. The current 20 percent rating adequately addresses the functional impact of his low back strain on his occupation.,VA examinations have determined that the Veteran can perform sedentary work, even with his service-connected back disability. There is no evidence to support a finding of unemployability due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 18, 2011
- Citation
- 1138750
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 1138750.
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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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, PTSD, depression, frequent urination, intermetatarsal neuroma right foot, left knee condition, right knee condition, low back strain, shoulder strain, and tinnitus, due to a failure to provide necessary examinations.
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