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Denied

The Veteran's lumbosacral strain is currently evaluated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted. The evidence shows forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees or more during his VA examinations.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine has consistently been at least 60 degrees, which corresponds with the current 20 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5237 for lumbosacral strain. There is no evidence of more than 60 degrees of forward flexion or any other compensable limitation.

Claimed conditions
lumbosacral strain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
February 1, 2016
Citation
1603011

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 1603011.

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