The Veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain was rated at 10 percent prior to September 14, 2013 and increased to 20 percent since that date.
The deciding factor: VA examinations showed significant improvement in the Veteran's range of motion after September 14, 2013, which led to a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbosacral strain, Degenerative disc disease (DDD) at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 9, 2015
- Citation
- 1529502
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 1529502.
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 service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain an adequate examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, characterized by degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 and lumbar radiculopathy, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 20 percent prior to June 22, 2015; and higher than 40 percent thereafter. The Board denied his claims.
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