The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with compression deformity of the body of L1, and degenerative changes including narrowing at L5-S1 has been rated as 20 percent disabling. The Board found that his condition warranted a higher evaluation to 40 percent due to functional loss approximating favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The VA examination revealed functional loss approximating favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, which is consistent with the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5243 (General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine).
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with compression deformity of the body of L1, and degenerative changes including narrowing at L5-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 5, 2015
- Citation
- 1546959
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 1546959.
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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