The Veteran's rating for chronic left paravertebral muscle strain was increased to 40 percent effective September 11, 2014. The Board found that the evidence first reflected a range of motion consistent with a 40 percent disability rating as early as a September 11, 2014 VA examination.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 25 degrees when considering pain, meeting the criteria for a 40 percent rating since that time.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic left paravertebral muscle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 9, 2018
- Citation
- 18101740
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 18101740.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Granted
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