The Board granted a 40% rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis, but denied an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss.
The deciding factor: The January 2024 VA examination was found to be inadequate due to inaccurate facts and failure to consider the Veteran's reported flare-ups and functional limitations. The Board determined that the reduction in the lumbosacral strain rating was improper, but a higher rating of 40% was warranted based on the Veteran's symptomatology.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and spinal stenosis, bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 14, 2025
- Citation
- A25088497
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