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Denied

The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain is currently evaluated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher evaluation due to limited forward flexion of less than 30 degrees.,The Veteran's right knee strain is currently evaluated at 10 percent, and there is no evidence supporting an increase in this rating.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s thoracolumbar strain has been shown with forward flexion limited to 60 degrees during a flare-up, which does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation of 40 percent (30 degrees or less) as required by Diagnostic Code 5237.

Claimed conditions
Thoracolumbar strain (claimed as back condition), Right knee strain (claimed as right knee condition)
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
November 28, 2023
Citation
A23033581

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 A23033581.

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