The Veteran's low back disability, including associated neurological manifestations, is rated at 40 percent disabling effective from May 28, 2015.
The deciding factor: The most recent VA examination conducted in May 2015 showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less and no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis. The Veteran's disability is now rated under Diagnostic Code 5243 for intervertebral disc syndrome, which resulted in a 40 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, L4-S1 degenerative disc disease, L4-L5 and L5-S1 small central disc herniation, L5-S1 degenerative foraminal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 2, 2017
- Citation
- 1714391
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 1714391.
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 connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
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