The Veteran is seeking a higher rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis, previously rated as intervertebral disc syndrome. The RO has granted an increased disability rating of 20 percent effective March 11, 2016.,The Veteran also seeks an earlier effective date for the grant of a 20 percent disability rating for his lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis and degenerative arthritis.
The deciding factor: The RO found that the Veteran's service-connected back disability had increased to at least 60 degrees of forward flexion, warranting a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The effective date was set as March 11, 2016.
- Claimed conditions
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Lumbosacral Strain with Spinal Stenosis and Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 20, 2020
- Citation
- 20048981
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 20048981.
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 has granted service connection for the Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to his service-connected left knee and left ankle conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected other specified insomnia disorder.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and heart disability, including coronary artery disease, as these conditions are found to be proximately due to or the result of the Veteran's service-connected PTSD.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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