The veteran's service-connected lumbar muscle spasm is rated at 40 percent, but the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his disability. The TDIU claim was also denied as his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbar muscle spasm does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as it does not result in severe limitation of motion or ankylosis. The TDIU claim was denied because his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from obtaining and retaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar muscle spasm, cervical muscle spasm, left ankle injury, scalp laceration
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 6, 2004
- Citation
- 0432294
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 0432294.
What this means for you
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