The VA determined that the veteran's lumbosacral strain does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as his range of motion is sufficient to meet the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under the revised spinal disability evaluation criteria.
The deciding factor: The veteran's lumbosacral strain did not result in severe limitation of motion or ankylosis that would warrant higher ratings. His current range of motion meets the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 20, 2006
- Citation
- 0636102
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,435 · Granted: 22% (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 0636102.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain an adequate examination.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for chronic lumbosacral strain is denied. Separate ratings for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities are granted.
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