The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of her service-connected lumbar disability is granted, with an effective date of October 3, 2024. Effective November 16, 2011, the Veteran's claims for right and left lower radiculopathy associated with her lumbar disability are also granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran had significant functional impairment due to her lumbar disability, including pain and limited range of motion. The effective date was set based on when the increased evaluation became effective in the VA rating decision.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 30, 2026
- Citation
- A26008948
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 A26008948.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation throughout the appeal period, and therefore, his claim for TDIU is denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance or housebound status was denied because the evidence did not show he required regular aid and assistance due to his service-connected disabilities, nor was he permanently bedridden. The Board found that while the Veteran had difficulty with medication management and some activities, he could still bathe/shower, eat, dress, etc., without assistance.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions have caused him to be in need of regular aid and attendance, which has been granted for special monthly compensation (SMC).
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with intervertebral disc syndrome caused wear and tear on his clothing due to a back brace, warranting an annual clothing allowance for 2020.
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