The Veteran's service-connected low back pain has been manifested by chronic, persistent low back pain with radiculopathic symptoms radiating down her right lower extremity and foot. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine is affected by degenerative changes as evidenced by imaging studies, with limitation of forward flexion to greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees, a combined range of motion of greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees on repetitive motion testing (factoring in functional loss due to pain), and muscle spasm that does not alter her gait. There is no neurological impairment or incapacitating episodes associated with the radiculopathic component of her low back disability. The criteria for a higher evaluation have not been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine has degenerative changes, but her range of motion and other functional limitations do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back pain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 16, 2013
- Citation
- 1329660
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 1329660.
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Related decisions
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- Denied
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for service connection of low back pain due to a motor vehicle accident during service. The Veteran's lay statements and a buddy statement support his assertion that his back pain began after the 1982 motor vehicle accident. However, both VA examiners provided opinions that were inadequate as they did not consider these statements.
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