The Veteran's low back disability is rated at the highest possible under the applicable diagnostic codes based on limitation of motion, with higher ratings requiring ankylosis. The Board finds that the evidence supports a grant of a 40 percent rating for the entire appeal period.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports and September 2017 opinion indicate that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximate forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less, which is consistent with the criteria for a 40 percent rating under DCs 5242-5243.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1756673
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 1756673.
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's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.
- 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.
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