The Veteran's low back disability was rated at 10 percent prior to August 11, 2010 and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The TDIU claim is granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examination report supported the current rating of 20 percent for the lumbar spine disability based on forward flexion less than 30 degrees with no ankylosis or other severe symptoms resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 30, 2013
- Citation
- 1327919
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 1327919.
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 service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain an adequate examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied. Separate ratings for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are granted.
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