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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 20031959.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew all his appeals, including the one for an increased rating for low back strain.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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