The Board found that the veteran's service-connected low back disability, which is rated under Diagnostic Code 5295 (lumbosacral strain), may be considered productive of functional loss including flare-ups. The most recent VA examination demonstrated no muscle spasm on extreme forward bending or unilateral loss of lateral spine motion in a standing position. However, the veteran's range of motion was noted to be within normal limits with some pain during flexion and extension. Considering all factors, the Board granted a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations demonstrated that the veteran’s low back disability did not meet the criteria for an increase in evaluation under either the old or new schedular regulations due to normal range of motion and some pain during flexion and extension. The Board granted a 20 percent rating based on consideration of all factors, including the veteran's reports of additional functional loss with flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 13, 2005
- Citation
- 0510630
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 0510630.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
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