The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent and does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's rating schedule. The evidence shows that the Veteran has full forward flexion to 75 to 90 degrees, with a combined range of motion from 175 to 240 degrees, without objective findings of muscle spasm, guarding, abnormal mobility, or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not demonstrate forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, or combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees; nor does it show muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar laminectomy and discectomy at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 25, 2011
- Citation
- 1103270
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 1103270.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Granted
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