The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain and arthritis have been rated at 10% each. The increased rating to 20% for the lumbosacral strain is granted, as it meets the criteria for a 20% rating based on forward flexion of less than 60 degrees.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be at least 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 20% rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases or Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Lumbosacral Strain, Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 24, 2013
- Citation
- 1342725
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 1342725.
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)
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- Granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for low back disability and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been reduced from 40% and 10%, respectively, to 20% and 0%. The reduction was based on improvements shown in recent VA examinations.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee strain with arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, the maximum allowable rating under Diagnostic Code 5010 prior to February 7, 2021. The Veteran's GERD with hiatal hernia and irritable bowel syndrome is not rated higher than 30 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's left hip disability is currently rated at 10 percent for limitation of extension, and his lumbosacral strain is rated at 10 percent. The Board has determined that neither condition warrants a higher rating.
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