The VA granted a rating of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected chronic lumbosacral strain, effective October 2001. The current disability is manifested by moderate limitation of motion and negative X-ray findings.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbosacral spine showed mild diffuse tenderness but no paraspinal spasm during the January 2002 VA examination, with a range of motion in terms of forward flexion (80 degrees) and lateral flexion (40 degrees to the left and right). At the March 2005 VA examination, his range of motion was moderate at 90 degrees with pain beginning at 45 degrees. X-rays were normal.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 29, 2005
- Citation
- 0532162
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 0532162.
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.
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- Granted
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- Granted
The Veteran's initial disability ratings for chronic lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and depression have been granted. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective from January 21, 2009.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to errors in fulfilling its duty to assist, specifically regarding obtaining private treatment records from Dr. R and a retrospective medical opinion.
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