The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, but no higher, during the entire appeal period.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s service-connected back strain did not cause unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine and granted a rating of 40 percent based on his symptoms and examination findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19146839
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 Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's back condition and an earlier effective date for special monthly compensation based on loss of use of a creative organ.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain adequate medical opinions.
- Partly granted
The veteran's initial evaluation for generalized anxiety disorder was increased to 50 percent, but no more. The other claims were denied or not decided.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.