The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, posttraumatic low back pain status post T-12 anterior compression fracture with thoracic degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and lumbar strain, is rated at 20 percent. The rating is denied as the evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability has been shown to have a range of motion that allows for greater than 30 degrees of forward flexion, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- posttraumatic low back pain status post T-12 anterior compression fracture with thoracic degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 27, 2010
- Citation
- 1015236
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 1015236.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a lung disorder and scoliosis, finding that the evidence did not support the existence of separate and distinct conditions from his already service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for asbestosis with bilateral pleural plaques and dismissed the appeal for service connection for scoliosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination and medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claim for service connection for scoliosis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar strain, piriformis syndrome, and scoliosis based on the finding that the Veteran's preexisting scoliosis disorder was permanently aggravated as a result of her military service.
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