The Veteran's lower back strain is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the highest possible rating based on range of motion. The Board finds that there is no evidence to support a higher rating as the disability does not meet the criteria for ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lower back strain has been evaluated under the General Rating Formula for the Spine, which requires forward flexion greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees. The evidence shows that his range of motion is limited to 15 degrees in all directions, with pain and localized tenderness/pain on palpation.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19107374
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 2,500 · Granted: 29% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19107374.
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
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- Denied
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- Dismissed
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- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on all issues except left and right knee disabilities have been dismissed due to untimely filing. The Board has not considered the evidence regarding these claims as they are outside of their jurisdiction.
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