The Veteran's mechanical low back strain is currently rated at 40 percent, the highest available rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not show that his disability warrants a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be greater than 30 degrees but less than or equal to 60 degrees, which is within the range for a 20 percent rating. The evidence does not support an increase in disability severity that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2010
- Citation
- 1000614
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1000614.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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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