The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine are rated at 40 percent since August 24, 2019. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with these conditions are each rated at 20 percent. A separate 20 percent rating is granted for left lung spontaneous pneumothorax. A 20 percent rating is also granted for chest wall scars. Prior to January 24, 2022, the Veteran's narcolepsy was rated at 10 percent; as of that date, it is rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows significant worsening in the Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine since August 24, 2019, with limited range of motion and pain during flare-ups. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are also rated at 20 percent as they continue to cause moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 6, 2023
- Citation
- 23026505
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 23026505.
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 service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
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