The Veteran's lumbar spine strain has been rated at 10 percent, but the Board found that his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The left ankle sprain and bilateral ingrown toenails have both been rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine strain does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation as it does not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees, unfavorable ankylosis, or associated neurologic impairment. The left ankle sprain and bilateral ingrown toenails have been rated at their minimum compensable levels.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 16, 2011
- Citation
- 1146118
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 1146118.
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 service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant due to lack of functional impairment. The Board has determined that a VA examination is needed to determine if any service-connected disability results in loss of use of both lower extremities, one lower extremity and one upper extremity, or residuals affecting balance and propulsion.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in gainful employment as of January 1, 2019. The Board granted a TDIU effective from that date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the reduction in disability rating for lumbar spine strain from 40% to 20% was improper and has granted a restoration of a 40% rating. The claim for an increased disability rating for PTSD remains pending.
- Granted
The Board has granted an increased rating to 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine strain with IVDS and degenerative arthritis, finding that his forward flexion during flare-ups closely approximates 60 degrees.
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