The Veteran's initial evaluation for lumbar mechanical strain was granted at a 10 percent rating effective from July 2007. In May 2008, the RO increased her evaluation to 20 percent effective March 4, 2008.
The deciding factor: The VA examination in August 2007 showed normal range of motion for the thoracolumbar spine and no ankylosis or other abnormalities. The December 2007 private records indicated a severe exacerbation of chronic back pain with limited flexion, leading to a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar mechanical strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 21, 2011
- Citation
- 1146531
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 1146531.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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