The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the back was granted a disability rating of 40 percent, effective from March 10, 2021.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s symptoms more nearly approximated constant back pain, discomfort, limitation of motion, flare ups, and forward flexion to 30 degrees. There is no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes throughout the period on appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21013907
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 21013907.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance of another since September 30, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the back and a compensable evaluation for migraine headaches prior to May 3, 2024, due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a back disorder and right ear hearing loss, but denied an increased rating for tinnitus.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative arthritis of the back and entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
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