Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been rated as 20 percent since July 8, 2013 and the Board finds that a higher rating of 40 percent is warranted for this period.,For the initial rating period from October 1, 2008 to July 8, 2013, the Veteran's tendonitis of the right forearm and elbow has been rated as noncompensable. The Board finds that a compensable disability rating is not warranted.

The deciding factor: The VA examination reports indicate that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability manifested forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, stiffness, achiness, tightness of the low back, and flare-ups. These findings support a higher rating of 40 percent for this period.

Claimed conditions
Lumbar Spine Strain with Mild Anterior Subluxation of L5 on S1, L1 Mild Anterior/ Superior Compression Fracture, and Right Sacroiliac Degenerative Joint Disease
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
January 21, 2015
Citation
1502930

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 1502930.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.