The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was granted a higher disability rating of 40 percent effective February 9, 2010. The appeal is for an increased rating and the current rating adequately reflects his symptoms.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease resulted in flexion limited to 90 degrees with additional loss due to pain, repetitive use and flare-ups, without evidence of abnormal gait or spinal contour. As of February 9, 2010, the disability was not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Neuropathy of the bilateral feet, Lung disorder, Right knee disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 6, 2015
- Citation
- 1528718
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 1528718.
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 remanded the claims for service connection and TDIU due to duty to assist errors that occurred prior to the rating decision on appeal. The Veteran's right knee disorder is being remanded for an addendum opinion regarding its etiology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to an error in notifying the Veteran of his right to a hearing, and not because of any issues with service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for a right knee disorder and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to insufficient evidence in the record.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to insufficient evidence and need for further examination.
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