The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic lumbar strain was denied, but he was granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU). The Board found that the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past 12 months.
The deciding factor: The objective medical evidence does not support a higher rating for chronic lumbar strain as it did not show forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, ankylosis, or IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Lumbar Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20070618
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as his service-connected disabilities have not rendered him unable to obtain or perform substantially gainful employment.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for increased disability ratings for chronic lumbar strain prior to December 10, 2019 and since that date was denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Denied
The veteran's need for regular aid and attendance is not due to his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder, and he is not permanently housebound by reason of his service-connected post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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