The Veteran's service-connected mechanical back pain is not productive of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; combined range of motion of the thoracolumbular spine not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm, guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, a rating in excess of 10 percent is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 4, 2010
- Citation
- 1008155
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 1008155.
What this means for you
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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