The Veteran's initial rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis was granted at 20 percent effective August 24, 2015. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity received a separate initial rating of 20 percent effective August 1, 2016.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records supported the granting of an initial 20% rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis as of August 24, 2015, based on the Veteran's antalgic gait due to pain. The radiculopathy received a separate initial rating of 20 percent effective August 1, 2016.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21007307
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 21007307.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development to ensure compliance with its duty to assist, specifically regarding the adequacy of VA examinations and obtaining a retrospective medical opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis to ensure that the AOJ makes reasonable attempts to obtain missing reserve treatment records and in-service hospital records.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40% rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis, but denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for further development, including obtaining additional medical evidence and service records.
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