The Veteran's back and left ankle disabilities do not meet the criteria for higher ratings, but his service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a rating in excess of the current ratings due to the limited functional impairment shown. However, the Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- mild degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, chronic sprain of the left ankle
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 5, 2025
- Citation
- 25007565
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 remanded the veteran's claims for higher ratings and TDIU due to inadequate medical examinations. The veteran will undergo new evaluations considering medication effects.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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.