The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her service-connected chronic back strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD). The Veteran was previously granted a 20 percent rating effective July 7, 2015. The Board found that prior to this date, her disability warranted only a 20 percent rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees and muscle spasms resulting in an abnormal gait.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted no evidence of additional limitation due to pain, weakness, fatigue, lack of endurance after repetitive motion, incoordination or flare-ups. The Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Back Strain with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 6, 2017
- Citation
- 1756284
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 1756284.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- 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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