The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for her chronic low back strain with lumbar degenerative disc disease was granted, and she is now receiving a 20 percent disability rating effective from August 16, 2005. Additionally, separate ratings of 20 percent each were assigned for the neurological impairment in both lower extremities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms have been found to meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5243 (Chronic Lumbosacral Strain) and a separate 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8620 (Moderate Neurological Abnormality of the Lower Extremities).
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Low Back Strain, Lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 26, 2014
- Citation
- 1412819
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1412819.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding whether PTSD is caused or aggravated by the Veteran's service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease. The case will be returned for further development.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for PTSD, an initial rating in excess of 50 percent for acquired psychiatric disorder, and increased ratings for left knee patellofemoral syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was also remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including IBS, somatic symptom disorder, lumbar degenerative disc disease, and various radiculopathies and strains, finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service or secondary to a service-connected disability.
- Partly granted
The Board restored the 20 percent rating for lumbar degenerative disc disease, finding that the reduction was improper. The other claims for increased ratings were denied.
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