The Veteran's service connection for a low back disorder was granted, and the initial compensable evaluation of 10 percent for left index finger and long finger disabilities was also granted. However, an increased rating in excess of 10 percent from June 7, 2021, was denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disorder is presumed to have been incurred during service due to the presence of chronic back pain noted at separation and a herniated disk documented eight years post-service. The left index finger and long finger disabilities were granted based on the evidence showing chronic discomfort prior to June 7, 2021, but an increased rating was denied as there was no additional disability shown from that date.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disorder
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 4, 2022
- Citation
- 22000257
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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 claim for a low back disorder to correct duty to assist errors, as the previous VA examinations and opinions are inadequate.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for hearing loss, psychiatric disorder, neck disorder, and radiculopathy of both upper and lower extremities to correct duty-to-assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of a disability rating for a low back disorder and entitlement to TDIU due to non-compliance with previous remand directives.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a low back disorder, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity on a secondary basis, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity on a secondary basis.
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