The Board finds that the Veteran's lumbar strain does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code. The evidence shows no limitation of motion to 30 degrees, nor is there favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records do not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at or below 30 degrees, nor does there exist unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 11, 2013
- Citation
- 1340709
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 1340709.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with left sciatica. The right lower extremity sciatica claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbar strain, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, is causally related to service. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for left ankle sprain, right ankle sprain, anxiety with situational type phobia, left hip strain, left knee strain, right knee strain, and lumbar strain are granted effective March 3, 2022.,An earlier effective date of March 3, 2022, is assigned for the Veteran's service connection claims.
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