The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for low back strain with degenerative arthritis, effective from the entire period on appeal. The Veteran's condition is currently rated as 10 percent prior to August 19, 2015 and from November 5, 2016 through September 9, 2019, and 20 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran’s low back strain with degenerative arthritis resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees during repeated use over time. This met the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20029172
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 20029172.
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 has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with degenerative arthritis and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity. Additionally, a TDIU claim is also being remanded due to the need for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further examination and clarification regarding the severity of his service-connected conditions, specifically peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's GERD is rated 10 percent disabling, and the Board finds that it does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's left knee strain with instability and shin splints, left knee strain with limitation of flexion, right knee strain with instability and shin splints, and right knee strain with limitation of flexion are all rated 10 percent disabling. The Board finds that additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions warrant higher ratings.,The Veteran's left ankle sprain and right ankle sprain are both rated 10 percent disabling. Additional evidence is needed to determine if these conditions warrant higher ratings.,The Veteran's low back strain with degenerative arthritis is rated 20 percent disabling, but the Board finds that additional evidence is needed to determine if this rating is appropriate.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy and right lower extremity radiculopathy are both rated 10 percent disabling. Additional evidence is needed to determine if these ratings are appropriate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to new evidence submitted by the appellant and a need for a VA medical opinion regarding whether the Veteran's service-connected anxiety disorder contributed to his death.
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