The Veteran's service-connected low back strain with degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable criteria. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD, major depressive disorder, psychosis, and general anxiety) has been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back strain with degenerative disc disease resulted in a combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, which meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. Service connection for obstructive sleep apnea was granted as secondary to his service-connected acquired psychiatric disorder.
- Claimed conditions
- low back strain, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20031959
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20031959.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including the one for an increased rating for low back strain.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.
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