The Veteran's low back strain with muscle spasms is not manifested by a forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees, a combined range of motion less than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, the Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for low back strain with muscle spasms is denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with muscle spasms
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1703581
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 1703581.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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