The Veteran's lumbosacral strain has been granted an initial 40 percent rating, effective May 29, 2020. Service connection for right shoulder tendinopathy, left shoulder interstitial tear of the teres minor tendon, and right wrist sprain/degenerative arthritis have also been granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbosacral strain was found to more nearly approximate forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, warranting a 40 percent rating. Service connection for the other conditions were granted based on new and material evidence provided by the Veteran during the appeal process.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbosacral strain, Right shoulder tendinopathy, Left shoulder interstitial tear of the left teres minor tendon, Right wrist sprain and degenerative arthritis, Left wrist pain causing impairment in earning capacity
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 13, 2026
- Citation
- A26023224
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 A26023224.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to October 11, 2022 and since December 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and a lumbosacral strain, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a deficiency in the April 2024 VA medical examination, specifically regarding passive range of motion testing for pain.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disorder, diagnosed as DDD and a lumbosacral strain, has been granted service connection. The Board found that the disability is related to his military service.
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