The Veteran's lower back disability is rated at 10 percent, based on a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees. The claim for an increased rating for this condition is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s combined range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it was between 120 and 235 degrees, which falls within the 10 percent rating category under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- lower back disability (residuals of a compression fracture of L-1 vertebra)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20027749
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 20027749.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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