The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain is denied. The claim for total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to January 23, 2015, is also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The evidence did not establish that his service-connected disabilities prevented him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment prior to January 23, 2015.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain (claimed as back condition)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 25, 2023
- Citation
- 23023918
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 23023918.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain (claimed as back condition) was received within a year of the intent to file, and thus an effective date earlier than January 1, 2024, is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for left elbow condition, right knee strain, and lumbosacral strain (claimed as back condition) due to lack of a current diagnosis. The claims are remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's petition to readjudicate the claim for service connection for diabetes based on new and relevant evidence is granted. The claims of service connection for lumbosacral strain and hypertension are remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, irritable bowel syndrome, and hypertension as secondary to PTSD. The claims for service connection for GERD and migraines were remanded.
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