The Veteran's service-connected low back disability was not shown to meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent, as his forward flexion and combined range of motion did not meet the required standards. The claim for COPD due to paint exposure is pending.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran's lumbar spine had normal forward flexion and less than full range of motion, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 12, 2014
- Citation
- 1410295
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 1410295.
What this means for you
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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 insufficient medical opinions and missing records. The VA must obtain relevant treatment records, conduct new examinations, and provide adequate opinions regarding the etiology of the Veteran's claimed conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for low back injury, left ankle injury, tinnitus, and major depressive disorder. However, these claims are still pending as they have been remanded due to insufficient evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the reduction in rating for the Veteran's low back injury from 40 to 10 percent was improper and restored the original 40 percent rating. The issues of increased ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome, left and right lower extremities, as well as TDIU are remanded due to outstanding records.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability, left and right lower extremity radiculopathies were granted increased ratings. The Veteran is currently rated at 40 percent for his low back disability and 10 percent each for his left and right lower extremity radiculopathies prior to April 23, 2015.
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