The Board granted a rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis prior to August 10, 2020, but denied an evaluation in excess of 20 percent from that date.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence showing forward flexion within certain ranges and the absence of more severe symptoms required for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- June 13, 2025
- Citation
- 25007967
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's back, right ring finger, and left foot hallux valgus disabilities but granted an initial 30 percent rating for pes planus from August 17, 2021, a 50 percent rating for pes planus from December 15, 2023, and a separate 10 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis from August 17, 2021.
- Denied
The Board denied various claims for increased ratings and effective dates, except for granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's disability ratings for lumbar spine strain with degenerative arthritis and radiculopathy were restored to previous levels. The issue of service connection for headaches and potential increased evaluations are remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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