The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability is shown to have been manifested by forward flexion of at least 60 degrees, but the combined range of motion has not exceeded 120 degrees. There was no muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or kyphosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes due to her range of motion and lack of severe symptoms affecting daily activities.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 12, 2014
- Citation
- 1454838
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 1454838.
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Granted
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The issues of rating cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin disability due to chemical exposure, left hip disability, and TDIU are being remanded.
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