The VA denied a higher initial rating for mechanical low back strain, as the veteran's flexion was at 95 degrees, which is above the threshold for a 20% rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was 95 degrees, exceeding the required range for a 20% initial rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 6, 2006
- Citation
- 0606381
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,013 · Granted: 17% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 0606381.
What this means for you
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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 decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to inadequate VA examinations. The case will be returned to the AOJ for further action.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for TDIU was denied as her service-connected disabilities do not render her unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by limited flexion to 30 degrees during flare-ups, warrants a 40 percent initial rating from March 5, 2004.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a new examination and updated VA treatment records.
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