The Veteran's service-connected chronic lumbar sprain is rated at 40 percent, effective November 12, 2016.
The deciding factor: The January 2022 VA examination showed forward flexion limited to 60 degrees and extension limited to 20 degrees, with additional loss of range of motion during flare-ups. The examiner found the Veteran's disability significantly impacted his ability to perform daily activities due to pain and functional limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 22, 2023
- Citation
- 23011049
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 23011049.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for temporomandibular joint disorder and left shoulder sprain, but denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss. The cervical spine condition was remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions, including migraine headaches, PTSD with TBI, chronic lumbar sprain, bilateral plantar fasciitis, and scars.
- Denied
The Veteran's back condition resulted in no less than estimated forward flexion of 55 degrees with flare-ups, but not meeting the criteria for a higher rating. The claim for an increased rating is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her back and left ankle conditions, rendered her unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment prior to October 9, 2017.
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