The Veteran's back disability, rated as 10% prior to May 10, 2016 and 20% from May 10, 2016 until his death, is granted for accrued benefits purposes. The rating of 20% is maintained.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability manifested with forward flexion to 75 degrees, limited functional ability, and flare-ups that further limited flexion, but did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or IVDS based on incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) with Degenerative Disc Disorder (DDD) of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20033978
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 20033978.
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
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- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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