The Veteran's back disability, characterized by chronic low back pain and limited range of motion, meets the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula. Additionally, he is entitled to a separate 20 percent rating for bilateral lower extremity radicular pain associated with his service-connected back disorder. The Veteran also satisfies the criteria for TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the Veteran's low back disability results in significant functional impairment, including limited range of motion and painful motion. His bilateral lower extremity radicular pain is also severe enough to warrant a separate rating under DC 8520. The combined effect of these service-connected disabilities makes it impossible for him to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Back Disability (Spondylosis and Spinal Stenosis)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 28, 2014
- Citation
- 1418588
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 1418588.
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
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- Granted
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