The Veteran's low back disability was granted an increased evaluation of 40 percent effective November 13, 2013. He also received a separate rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity associated with his service-connected low back disability.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings supported the grant of a higher evaluation based on the Veteran's symptoms and functional impairment during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease with L4-L5 disc protrusion and radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 12, 2016
- Citation
- 1605693
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1605693.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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