The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease was initially rated at 20 percent prior to June 13, 2012. The rating has since been increased to 40 percent as of that date.
The deciding factor: Prior to June 13, 2012, the Veteran's forward flexion of his thoracolumbar spine was limited to no less than 35 degrees without additional loss on repetitive use or with flare-ups. As of June 13, 2012, the limitation in forward flexion was reduced to 25 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 26, 2017
- Citation
- 1713558
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 1713558.
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 Veteran's claims for increased evaluations and service connection due to potential worsening of his bilateral knee condition, PTSD, lumbosacral spine disability, and TDIU. The Veteran is also required to provide VA with any outstanding treatment records from the Prescott VA and Phoenix VA.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities meet the schedular requirement for a TDIU and are reasonably shown to render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation since October 16, 2012.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings were denied across multiple conditions, with the Board finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD has been medically linked to service, and the Board finds that she is entitled to service connection for this disability. The low back disability rating remains at 40 percent.
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.