The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for residuals of low back injury with mild disc herniation at L5-S1 is granted, and he is assigned a 40 percent evaluation. The claims to reopen service connection for gastrointestinal and liver disabilities are also granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but with pain starting at 25 degrees flexion, a combined range of motion of 125 degrees, zero degrees bilateral rotation, an inability to perform repetitive motion, and with additional functional loss due to painful motion. These findings meet the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of low back injury with mild disc herniation at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 2, 2017
- Citation
- 1730771
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 1730771.
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
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