The Veteran's lumbar strain was initially rated as 20 percent disabling prior to December 2, 2009, and increased to 40 percent disabling thereafter.,For the cervical spine disability, the Veteran has been granted a 20 percent rating since March 8, 2000.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar strain was rated based on its severity as determined by flexion and ankylosis criteria. The cervical spine disability was rated based on its severe limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (previously claimed as a cervical strain with bilateral radiculopathy), Right hip strain, Traumatic brain injury (TBI) (previously claimed as status post concussion with headaches)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 25, 2014
- Citation
- 1443112
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 1443112.
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)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's right hip strain is secondary to his service-connected left shin splint and bilateral knee disabilities. However, the opinion provided by the VA did not adequately address causation or aggravation of the right hip strain due to these conditions. The case is therefore being remanded for further analysis.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that new and relevant evidence has been received since the August 2020 rating decision, warranting readjudication of the previously denied claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine (also claimed as a neck condition), lumbosacral strain, left hip strain, right hip strain, and right knee strain.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since May 1, 2015.
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