The Veteran's lumbar sprain with degenerative changes was initially rated at 10 percent prior to July 1, 2014 and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees or less, combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar sprain with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 8, 2019
- Citation
- 19110147
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,071 · Granted: 26% (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 19110147.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded three issues: a rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbar sprain with degenerative changes, service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20 percent prior to December 16, 2020 and denied for a higher rating from that date. The Board found the evidence did not meet criteria for a higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for service-connected chronic fatigue syndrome and lumbar sprain with degenerative changes are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar sprain with degenerative changes was rated at 10 percent prior to October 12, 2010 and at 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating in either period.
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