The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which fully reflects the severity of his symptoms as described in the VA examinations. The rating does not exceed what is warranted based on the evidence provided.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations consistently showed that the Veteran’s range of motion did not warrant a higher rating, and there was no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes qualifying for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar strain (low back disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20063775
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 20063775.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a disability rating greater than 20 percent for service-connected chronic lumbar strain (low back disability) was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine being less than or equal to 30 degrees, nor favorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal for further examination to clarify the severity of the Veteran's neck and low back disabilities, specifically regarding range of motion testing in weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran's low back disability needs further evaluation and remands the case for a VA examination to assess its current severity.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the evidence did not support higher ratings or additional service-connected disabilities.
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