The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the highest rating available under the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine. The Board found that the current level of impairment more nearly approximates a limitation of forward flexion to less than 60 degrees but not less than 30 degrees.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's actual range of motion was between 70 degrees and 90 degrees, with a combined range of motion between 130 and 215 degrees. The examiner noted the presence of muscle spasms and pain on movement, which resulted in functional loss that warranted a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine L1, L2 partial desiccation, disc bulge with facet synovitis and degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 19, 2014
- Citation
- 1442093
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 1442093.
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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