The claim for an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for low back disability was denied, but a higher initial rating of 40 percent was granted from March 13, 2009.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability has manifested with functional impairment equivalent to favorable ankylosis, but not unfavorable ankylosis, for the entire period on review.
- Claimed conditions
- low back disability (lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with arthritis, strain, and intervertebral disc syndrome)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 29, 2025
- Citation
- A25039092
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 remands the claim for a lumbosacral intervertebral disc syndrome and strain as additional evidence is needed to properly evaluate the disability.
- 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.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.