The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral spine strain, L4-L5 disc protrusion, and L5-S1 annular tear are currently rated at 40 percent disabling from October 14, 2015. The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating for any period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion findings do not meet or approximate the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as her forward flexion is to at least 30 degrees (with pain on movement), which does not warrant an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spine strain, L4-L5 disc protrusion, L5-S1 annular tear
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2017
- Citation
- 1734362
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 1734362.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the current condition and an in-service injury.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral spine strain is dismissed. The reduction of the ratings for left and right knee limitations of extension are found to be improper, and the original ratings are restored.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased rating and TDIU have been dismissed as he has withdrawn his appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's prescribed topical skin medication, triamcinolone cream, caused irreparable damage to his clothing and the Board granted a clothing allowance for 2020 based on this.
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