The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with L4 degenerative disc disease does not meet the criteria for an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports do not reflect forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with L4 degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 14, 2013
- Citation
- 1315845
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 1315845.
What this means for you
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