The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected thoracolumbar strain with degenerative disc disease and left knee chondromalacia patella, as well as his claims for service connection for right hand injuries to the fingers and palm, depression, hearing loss, tinnitus, and sinusitis. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a 20 percent rating under either the General Rating Formula or the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
The deciding factor: The VA examination report showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine from zero to 82 degrees, which is greater than 60 degrees. Combined range of motion was 208 degrees, exceeding 120 degrees. The examiner did not find any incapacitating episodes or other criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 27, 2007
- Citation
- 0730484
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 0730484.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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