The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar strain is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available under Diagnostic Code 5237. The evidence does not support a higher evaluation as there is no indication of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's chronic lumbar strain has been characterized by pain and muscle spasms, but with forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees. There is no clinical evidence of favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or any incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2012
- Citation
- 1204419
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 1204419.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbar strain. The claims for migraines and Meniere's disease are remanded.
- Denied
The Board has readjudicated the claim for service connection for chronic lumbar strain due to new evidence submitted after the prior final denial. However, it was determined that the Veteran's current condition is not related to service because his actions leading to the injury were considered willful misconduct.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for an increased rating for a chronic lumbar strain was dismissed due to an impermissible concurrent election of review options.
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