The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease warrants a rating of 40 percent, as his disability is currently manifested by chronic low back pain and no more than moderate limitation of motion. The issues of entitlement to service connection for GERD, migraines, joint point, a fungal infection of the fingernails, a respiratory disorder, and an eye disorder are addressed in the remand that follows this decision.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently manifested by chronic low back pain with no more than moderate limitation of motion. The disability does not meet or approximate criteria for higher ratings based on severe impairment, to include severe limitation of motion or ankylosis, or evidence of incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during a 12-month period.
- Claimed conditions
- Gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD), Migraines, Fungal infection of the fingernails, Respiratory disability, Muscle and joint pain, Lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 25, 2012
- Citation
- 1215042
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 1215042.
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
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