The Veteran's service-connected chronic lower back pain, status post L4-5 fusion, is rated at the highest available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The other issues are not addressed as they do not involve service connection.
The deciding factor: The criteria for a 40 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5241 (General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine) have been met due to limitation of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, with consideration of painful motion. Other issues are not addressed as they do not involve service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lower back pain, status post L4-5 fusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 5, 2014
- Citation
- 1420055
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 1420055.
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
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