The Veteran's lower back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted due to limitation of motion.,The Veteran's left upper extremity impairment and left lower extremity impairment are both currently rated at 30 percent and 20 percent respectively. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted for these conditions.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the assignment of a higher disability rating as the Veteran's range of motion measurements do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Lower Back Strain","rating_code":"5237"}, {"condition_name":"Left Upper Extremity Impairment, Residual of Stroke","rating_code":"8513"}, {"condition_name":"Left Lower Extremity Impairment, Residual of Stroke","rating_code":"8520"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2019
- Citation
- 19179741
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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