The Veteran's low back strain with arthritis and degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 60 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as his disability does not meet or approximate any of the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back strain with arthritis and degenerative disc disease has been rated at 60 percent since July 17, 1997. The current schedular rating is based on his forward flexion being greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees, combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, and no evidence of muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with arthritis and degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- April 4, 2016
- Citation
- 1613664
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 1613664.
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