The Veteran's claim for a higher evaluation for his chronic muscular strain with lumbar instability was denied by the Board. The evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, and the current range of motion met the criteria for a 40% rating under the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion was limited but he could still move his spine in all planes. The Board found that there was no pathology sufficient to warrant a higher rating based on pain or other factors, as the criteria for limitation of motion were controlling regardless of symptoms such as pain.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic muscular strain with lumbar instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 15, 2017
- Citation
- 1722232
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 1722232.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Granted
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