The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back disability is denied as the evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, which would be required for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to pain and functional loss, but did not reach the level of flexion required for a 40% rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative changes, disc space narrowing, L1 wedge deformity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 18, 2021
- Citation
- 21069426
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 21069426.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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