The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar spine strain and degenerative disc disease of C4-5 have been granted increased ratings to 20 percent for the entire rating period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records consistently showed that the Veteran experienced significant functional impairment, including pain with abnormal gait and spasm, which warranted a higher disability evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar spine strain, degenerative disc disease of C4-5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 14, 2014
- Citation
- 1410745
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 1410745.
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 have been granted, with the exception of PTSD, anxiety, depression, a disability manifested by chronic sleep impairment, and TDIU. The hearing loss claim is denied as it does not warrant a rating in excess of 30 percent.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the reduction of the Veteran's disability rating from 20% to 10% for chronic lumbar spine strain with degenerative disc disease and spondylosis was not proper, and has reinstated the original 20% rating effective December 21, 2023.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to outstanding medical records from his treatment at Choice First Chiropractic. The Board needs to obtain these records before making a decision on the rating for his chronic lumbar spine strain.
- Granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date for the grants of service connection and increased rating, as well as attorney fees in the amount of 20% of past-due benefits awarded. The appeal was denied only for the grant of an earlier effective date for tinnitus.
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