The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine strain is not manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least two weeks, but less than four weeks during the past 12 months. Therefore, the criteria for entitlement to a disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 3, 2011
- Citation
- 1100046
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 1100046.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for thoracolumbar spine strain is denied, with a current rating of 20 percent. The claim for higher staged ratings for cervical spine spondylosis remains pending.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for a 20 percent rating for her back disability is denied as there is no evidence of increased severity prior to the May 9, 2024 effective date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to support the Veteran's claims for service connection, but the claims are being remanded due to deficiencies in the medical opinions provided.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine strains, TMJ disorder, dermatitis of the face, right knee chondromalacia grade II with patellar tendonitis, medial meniscal derangement, and Baker's cyst, and bilateral hearing loss. However, service connection was granted for radicular pain paresthesia of the right upper extremity.
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