The Veteran's lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease with muscle spasms are currently rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The Board has determined that the criteria for a 20 percent rating have been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating based on her symptoms of muscle spasm and abnormal gait without ankylosis or limitation to flexion of less than 30 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19160600
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 19160600.
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 Board remands the case for further development, including obtaining new medical opinions and examination reports to address the issues of service connection and increased ratings.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations and TDIU due to missing records.
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