The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral strain with arthritis and degenerative joint and disc disease was denied. The current disability is rated at 20 percent, which reflects the limitation of forward flexion to a degree that does not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, resulting in a combined range of motion that did not exceed 120 degrees. There were no findings of muscle spasm or abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with arthritis and degenerative joint and disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 14, 2012
- Citation
- 1209662
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 1209662.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Granted
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