The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbar strain was denied. Prior to March 16, 2016, the Veteran received a 20% disability rating. From March 16, 2016, he received a 40% disability rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show functional impairment equivalent to forward flexion of more than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees prior to March 16, 2016 or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine from that date. From March 16, 2016, the Veteran's functional impairment was limited to forward flexion of 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 2, 2021
- Citation
- 21011650
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 21011650.
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.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals pertaining to effective dates for increased ratings of chronic lumbar strain and LLE radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran did not properly opt into the AMA system.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating higher than 20 percent for chronic lumbar strain, and denied other claims.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to a TDIU prior to April 3, 2014, as the evidence did not show that the Veteran was unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation due to his service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for annual clothing allowances for a back brace, left ankle brace, and left knee brace in 2021 due to insufficient evidence of damage to clothing. The claim for menthol camphor gel topical medication was also denied as it did not meet the criteria for a clothing allowance.
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