The Veteran's service-connected back sprain has been granted an initial rating of 40 percent, but no higher. The right inguinal hernia, status post-surgical repair with mesh placement, is not recurrent and does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The VA medical examination showed that the Veteran's back sprain resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, which meets the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- Back Sprain, Right Inguinal Hernia (status post-surgical repair with mesh placement)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18154303
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 18154303.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU were denied, but he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a higher rating for his back sprain due to insufficient evidence regarding flare-ups and functional impairment during those periods.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of PTSD and back sprain, as well as his TDIU claim are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations and updated VA treatment records.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 70 percent, effective March 7, 2011. The Board also granted a TDIU based on the combined effect of his service-connected disabilities.
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.