The Veteran's thoracolumbosacral strain has not been manifested by forward thoracolumbar flexion less than 61 degrees; or, by a combined range of thoracolumbar motion less than 121 degrees; or by muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis. Therefore, the Veteran's claim for higher evaluation is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain does not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 10 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 3, 2018
- Citation
- 1819774
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 1819774.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for sinusitis, thoracolumbosacral strain with scoliosis, and rhinitis. Attorney fees are eligible based on past-due benefits resulting from this decision.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for the Veteran's lower back condition and left leg radiculopathy, finding that these conditions were incurred in or caused by active military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable evaluation for right hand 5th finger sprain and a rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative joint disease, and remanded several service connection claims due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional evidence is needed to properly adjudicate the Veteran's claims, including VA examinations and medical opinions regarding his service-connected conditions and any potential links to his current disabilities.
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