The Veteran's service-connected low back disability was initially evaluated at a 20 percent rating prior to February 20, 2009. Beginning on February 20, 2009, the Veteran is now rated at 40 percent for his service-connected low back disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that from February 20, 2009 onwards, the Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was restricted to less than 30 degrees and he experienced more severe symptoms compared to prior periods.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L4-5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 8, 2012
- Citation
- 1204912
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 1204912.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection related to herbicide exposure have been granted with effective dates of August 18, 2003. The Board also remanded several other issues including higher initial ratings and TDIU.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine at L4-5 and degenerative joint disease of the right hip were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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