The Veteran's low back disability was not productive of functional impairment comparable to forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees, but not greater than 60 degrees, or the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine is not greater than 120 degrees. As such, a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to March 3, 2016 and a rating in excess of 40 percent from March 3, 2016 for low back strain with transitional L5, narrowed L3 and L5 is not warranted.,The Veteran's left thumb strain was manifested by pain and instability that equals or approximates limitation of thumb motion resulting in a gap of 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) between the thumb pad and the fingers with the thumb attempting to oppose the fingers, warranting a rating of 10 percent from November 5, 2009.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with transitional L5, narrowed L3 and L5, Left thumb sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 29, 2017
- Citation
- 1709911
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 1709911.
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