The Veteran's disability rating for lumbosacral strain with arthritis was reduced from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective January 9, 2012. The Board finds that the reduction was proper as there is evidence of actual improvement in his condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examination conducted in January 2012 showed a significant improvement in the Veteran's range of motion compared to the May 2011 examination, with forward flexion reaching 90 degrees and no additional limitation due to repetitive use or pain.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 23, 2015
- Citation
- 1507695
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 1507695.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for lumbosacral strain with arthritis was granted, receiving an initial disability rating of 40 percent. The other service connection claims were denied.
- Granted
The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's appeal for an earlier effective date for the evaluation of lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis of the spine was granted, while other claims were remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with arthritis and service connection for a right elbow disorder.
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