The Veteran's initial rating for herniated disc, L5-S1 is granted at a 40 percent level effective from the entire period of appeal. Ratings of 20 percent are granted for right and left ankle strain. The Veteran is also granted TDIU.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports a finding that the Veteran's symptoms more nearly approximate flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, warranting a 40 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- herniated disc, L5-S1, bilateral hip strain, bilateral patellofemoral syndrome, bilateral ankle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2018
- Citation
- 18146425
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 18146425.
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 bilateral hip disability was manifest by painful motion prior to March 28, 2025. From that date, the disability manifested as limitation of adduction due to inability to cross legs.,The Board found no evidence of limitation of extension or impairment of thigh prior to March 28, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for left ankle strain, left knee strain, and bilateral hip strain due to a lack of etiology opinions in the record.
- Granted
The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea is granted as secondary to his service-connected disabilities, with obesity serving as an intermediary step.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hip strain and migraines, finding that the Veteran's conditions were incurred or caused by in-service events. For bilateral hip strain, a VA examiner concluded it was at least as likely as not incurred during active duty. For migraines, a VA examiner found them to be at least as likely as not caused by toxic exposure risk activities (TERA) during service.
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