The Veteran's back strain was rated at 20 percent prior to September 20, 2010 and increased to 40 percent thereafter. The rating is based on the presence of incapacitating episodes with a total duration of at least two weeks but less than four weeks in the past twelve months.
The deciding factor: The Veteran demonstrated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees after September 20, 2010, which warranted a higher rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2014
- Citation
- 1448329
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 1448329.
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 decided to remand the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the relationship between the Veteran's back conditions and his service. The examiner is asked to consider the Veteran's lay statements about in-service events, injuries, and symptoms.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim of service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability, finding that the VA examination and opinion were inadequate as they did not consider the Veteran's complete medical history. The case is now to be reviewed with an addendum VA opinion.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a 40 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the May 2013 rating decision.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and a higher rating for tinnitus, while remanding claims for service connection for an anxiety condition, back strain, bilateral pes planus, left shoulder condition, right knee condition, and dizziness.
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