The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was granted a 40% rating, effective from the date of decision. The Board also granted entitlement to Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) for periods prior to August 10, 2016 and from November 1, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was found to have forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 30 degrees or less, meeting the criteria for a 40% rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board also granted TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21024860
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 21024860.
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 remanded the claim for service connection of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) secondary to lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD). The Veteran's OSA is not yet service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including right knee patellofemoral syndrome, ankylosis and instability of the right knee, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease (DDD), did not meet the minimum threshold requirements for schedular TDIU. However, she is entitled to a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from January 3, 2013 to January 2, 2014.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding lower back pain, left leg injuries, and PTSD.,The Veteran is also seeking service connection for an acquired psychiatric condition, including PTSD, which he contends was caused by a 2005 incident during his first period of active duty.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for lumbar strain with DDD on a secondary basis to bilateral knee disability and denied increased ratings for renal disease.
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