The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability has been manifested by myofascial strain of the thoracolumbar spine; degenerative changes of the thoracic spine (as confirmed by X-ray findings) with spurring and scoliosis; limitation of motion to include forward flexion limited to no worse than 45 degrees; pain. The criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability has been manifested by myofascial strain, degenerative changes, and limitation of motion without evidence of any additional functional loss due to pain or weakness causing additional disability beyond that reflected on range of motion measurements. The current evaluation adequately compensates for the veteran's service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- myofascial strain of the thoracolumbar spine, degenerative changes of the thoracic spine (as confirmed by X-ray findings), spurring and scoliosis of the thoracolumbar spine, limitation of motion to include forward flexion limited to no worse than 45 degrees, pain in the left upper low back and intermittent sharp pain across the low back
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 18, 2010
- Citation
- 1038972
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 1038972.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a higher initial evaluation for myofascial strain of the thoracolumbar spine and service connection for prostate cancer. The claim for prostate cancer was denied due to lack of evidence linking the condition to service, including claimed exposure to hazardous chemical agents.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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