The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar strain has been rated at 20 percent since the initial grant of service connection, reflecting limitation of motion with forward flexion to greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's thoracolumbar strain manifests as pain and painful motion, limiting her forward flexion to a maximum of 70-80 degrees throughout the appeal period. This is consistent with the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 14, 2013
- Citation
- 1301403
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 1301403.
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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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Granted
The Board has granted an effective date of August 14, 2024 for the award of a 40 percent rating for service-connected chronic compression fracture at T7 with lumbar spondylosis and thoracolumbar strain.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant eligibility.
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