The Veteran's low back pain has resulted in reduced range of motion, but not to the extent that would warrant a higher rating. His osteoarthritis of the first metacarpal joint on the right hand has manifested as an enlarged thumb with subjective complaints of pain and numbness, but without limitation of thumb motion or objective evidence of reduced hand strength.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code due to its current range of motion and lack of neurological involvement. His right thumb arthritis has also been evaluated within the appropriate rating criteria without meeting the requirements for a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 31, 2013
- Citation
- 1303224
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 1303224.
What this means for you
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