The Veteran's traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine is rated at 40 percent since October 16, 2012. Prior to that date, a rating in excess of 40 percent was not granted.
The deciding factor: The February 2017 VA examination report indicated forward flexion limited from 15 to 25 degrees and extension limited from 0 to 15 degrees, which supports a 40 percent rating based on limited flexion. The Veteran's IVDS has resulted in no incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2018
- Citation
- 1807692
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 1807692.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional development, including scheduling a VA examination and obtaining updated medical records.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks a higher initial evaluation for his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine. The case is being remanded to obtain updated medical records and to schedule the Veteran for an examination to determine the severity of his disability.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine and residuals of right femur fracture were denied. The Veteran was currently rated at 40 percent for his lumbosacral spine condition, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations.
- Granted
The veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and service connection have been granted. The specific conditions include traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, and dermatitis. Service connection has also been established for erectile dysfunction.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.