The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for a lumbar myofascial strain, finding that the Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on her range of motion and other symptoms.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s lumbar myofascial strain did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar myofascial strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 24, 2009
- Citation
- 0936275
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 0936275.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar myofascial strain is rated at 40 percent since July 10, 2009. Effective January 4, 2021, the Veteran's radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent; effective December 14, 2016, the left sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 40 percent; and effective March 28, 2021, the right femoral nerve radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's left femoral nerve radiculopathy remains at a 30 percent rating throughout the period on appeal.
- Partly granted
The veteran's claim for a higher rating and earlier effective date for left heel laceration residuals was denied. The claims for service connection for left knee, right knee, lumbar myofascial strain, and respiratory conditions were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and rating for left knee condition, right knee condition, lumbar myofascial strain, asthma, and status post left heel laceration residuals, including scar. Additional development is required to obtain private medical records and provide a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbar myofascial strain is currently rated at 20 percent prior to September 3, 2020 and the Board has remanded for further development. The right eye macular scar remains rated at 10 percent.
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