The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent from December 12, 2022 onwards. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations conducted during the appeal period showed significant limitation of motion and pain, which supported the current 40% disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease, Degenerative disk disease, Spondylosis, Spinal stenosis L2-L3, Chronic strain of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 17, 2023
- Citation
- 23010332
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 23010332.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability and right leg radiculopathy are granted service connection, but left leg radiculopathy is denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 40 percent rating for the Veteran's low back disability, effective from the date of the August 2013 VA examination. The decision also notes that all reasonable doubt is resolved in favor of the Veteran.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability and bilateral lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy are currently rated at 10 percent prior to March 5, 2021, and 20 percent thereafter. The appeal is denied as the criteria for higher ratings have not been met.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a neck disorder to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current neck condition, including whether it is related to her military service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.