The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar back strain has not resulted in any incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest or treatment by a physician, and her range of motion is not limited by pain, fatigue, weakness, or lack of endurance. Therefore, the claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for thoracolumbar back strain is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable diagnostic code due to her range of motion and lack of incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest or treatment by a physician.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar back strain, mild thoracolumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 16, 2010
- Citation
- 1022342
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 1022342.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim to reopen her service connection for back disability is granted, and the issue of service connection itself is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for increased ratings and TDIU due to incomplete examinations in one of the issues. The claims will be returned for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected thoracolumbar back strain, right varicose vein, right knee strain, and left knee strain are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess the current severity and manifestations of these disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for a Travel Board hearing. His claims for higher ratings and service connection remain pending.
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