The Veteran's service-connected low back strain has been primarily manifested by decreased range of motion with pain radiating into his lower extremities. However, the disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not result in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, nor does it involve ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back strain has been shown to cause decreased range of motion but without evidence of limitation to 30 degrees of forward flexion or ankylosis. The disability is not exceptional or unusual in nature, thus making the schedular criteria adequate for rating purposes.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2010
- Citation
- 1014679
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 1014679.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's hearing loss and low back strain claims are remanded for further evaluation. The hearing loss claim is denied, while the low back strain claim requires additional examination to determine its severity.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for low back strain, left shoulder, and supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) based on evidence showing a causal relationship to in-service events or injuries.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed because the March 2020 rating decision, which granted service connection for a low back strain, was never issued and therefore not an appealable decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for his service-connected low back strain was denied, as the current severity of his condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
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