The Veteran's low back strain was rated at 20 percent prior to July 10, 2017, and at 40 percent since then. The right lower extremity neurological impairments associated with service-connected low back strain are currently rated as 10 percent disabling.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of pain, muscle spasms, and limited range of motion were found to be consistent with a 20 percent rating prior to July 10, 2017. Since then, his disability has worsened, warranting a higher 40 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain, Right lower extremity neurological impairments associated with service-connected low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 4, 2018
- Citation
- 1800212
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1800212.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hearing loss and low back strain claims are remanded for further evaluation. The hearing loss claim is denied, while the low back strain claim requires additional examination to determine its severity.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, left shoulder, and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) based on evidence showing a causal relationship to in-service events or injuries.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed because the March 2020 rating decision, which granted service connection for a low back strain, was never issued and therefore not an appealable decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected low back strain was denied, as the current severity of his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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