The Veteran's lumbar back strain is currently evaluated at a 10 percent rating, which is the maximum schedular evaluation available under Diagnostic Code 5237. The Board finds that this evaluation adequately reflects the severity of his disability based on limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lumbar spine has been found to have normal ranges of motion and no additional functional loss due to pain, weakness, or instability during flare-ups. His condition does not meet criteria for higher evaluations under other applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 22, 2013
- Citation
- 1332880
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 1332880.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to a lack of adequate examination and opinion regarding his bilateral foot disorders, including neuropathy, and lumbar disorder. The claims will be reviewed with additional examinations and opinions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his claims at a hearing.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar back strain, cervical spine disability, bilateral pes planus, left ankle and knee disabilities, tinnitus, and hearing loss are rated accordingly. The effective date for the grant of service connection is denied prior to December 29, 2015. A total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) claims have also been denied.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, diagnosed as lumbar back strain, degenerative disc disease with posterior annular fissuring at L5-S1, and osteochondrosis and spondyloarthrosis L4-5 and L5-S1.
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