The Veteran's lumbar spine strain with intervertebral disc disease is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate given the evidence of record. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been evaluated as 20 percent disabling, which corresponds to limitation of motion with forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees. The evidence does not support a finding that the Veteran meets the criteria for higher ratings based on incapacitating episodes or under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine strain, intervertebral disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 4, 2013
- Citation
- 1335454
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 1335454.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 13, 2020 for the service connection of low back disability and related radiculopathy issues. The Veteran's claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted in January 2020.
- 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.
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