The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative joint disease has been rated at 20 percent since February 9, 2011.
The deciding factor: The Veteran testified to experiencing muscle spasms in his back daily, which led to the prescription of medication for muscle spasms. The VA examiner did not note these symptoms during the August 2012 examination but acknowledged them based on the VAMC treatment notes from February and April 2011.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 14, 2017
- Citation
- 1757909
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 1757909.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral degenerative joint disease and herniated nucleus pulposus (lumbar spine disorder) was denied as the disability does not meet or more nearly approximate the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disorder, lumbosacral degenerative joint disease, tinnitus, right elbow degenerative joint disease, and others, prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective August 13, 2021.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for his back disability was denied, and he is currently rated at 10 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not support an increase in rating beyond this level during the period from July 1, 2013 through September 6, 2018. For the period since September 7, 2018, the criteria for a higher rating were also not met.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for a rating greater than 20 percent for lumbosacral degenerative joint disease as the appellant requested to withdraw his appeal.
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