The Board found that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5237, and denied an increased rating greater than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to be between 68-90 degrees with pain, extension to 15-60 degrees with pain, lateral flexion to 15-40 degrees with pain, and rotation to 20-30 degrees with pain. The combined range of motion was also noted to be within the criteria for a 10 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- Acquired psychiatric disability (PTSD, depression, anxiety), Cervical spine disability, Lumbar spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 30, 2017
- Citation
- 1718995
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 1718995.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not support a higher rating as his range of motion did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for brain cancer, low back disability, and cervical spine disability due to a pre-decisional error in failing to obtain a radiation dose estimate from the Under Secretary for Health. The Veteran's military service aboard USS ENTERPRISE is considered relevant to his exposure to ionizing radiation.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine condition had its onset in service and has continued since then, meeting the criteria for service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, left shoulder, right shoulder, upper extremity neurological, and lower extremity neurological disabilities due to inadequate VA medical examinations in March 2019 and January-May 2016. The new examinations must consider the Veteran's reported onset dates for his symptoms.
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