The Veteran's lower back disability, manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 30 degrees or less with pain starting at 20 degrees, meets the criteria for a 40 percent rating since June 24, 2008.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings showed that the Veteran's forward flexion was limited to 30 degrees with evidence of painful motion at 20 degrees, which is consistent with the criteria for a 40 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back pain status post microdiskectomy, sacroiliac joint syndrome, myofascial pain syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 6, 2017
- Citation
- 1725492
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 1725492.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal regarding a rating for muscle atrophy due to thoracic outlet syndrome and related conditions has been dismissed as the appellant requested withdrawal of the appeal.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability is related to events in service and grants service connection for a back disability.
- Granted
The appellant is granted SMC(o) and SMC(r)(1) based on his service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, glaucoma, foot drop conditions, sleep apnea, migraines, overactive bladder, and various musculoskeletal issues. He does not qualify for higher rates due to the anatomical loss or use of extremities.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for head injury, myofascial pain syndrome, and depression as the evidence did not support a causal relationship between these conditions and the Veteran's period of active duty.
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