The Board denied a higher rating for the Veteran's service-connected back disability, finding that at all times during the appeal period, his forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was greater than 30 degrees but not less than 50 degrees and did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings showed that the Veteran's back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being 30 degrees or less, nor did it show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbosacral strain with probable mechanical low back syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 17, 2019
- Citation
- 19179071
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
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