The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective September 29, 2010. Separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities from September 29, 2010, to February 3, 2013. The Veteran's TDIU claim is granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability more closely approximates flexion of 45 degrees with pain at 45 degrees and extension of 20 degrees with pain at 20 degrees, resulting in an initial rating of 20 percent. Separate ratings of 10 percent are assigned for radiculopathy of the right and left lower extremities from September 29, 2010, to February 3, 2013.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic strain, Lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 25, 2018
- Citation
- 1804765
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 1804765.
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.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as there is no evidence that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, cervical strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to her now service-connected back disability. The decision is based on credible statements of the Veteran regarding continuous symptoms since service and medical opinions supporting a nexus between current disabilities and service.
- Granted
The Board has granted an increased rating of 40 percent for thoracic strain throughout the review period, which represents a full grant of benefits sought on appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his thoracic spine disability was denied by the Board, as his current range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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