The Veteran's thoracic strain resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, which meets the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating. The Board found that this level of limitation did not meet or exceed the requirements for higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The VA examination showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at 60 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23063829
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 23063829.
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.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as there is no evidence that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted an increased rating of 40 percent for thoracic strain throughout the review period, which represents a full grant of benefits sought on appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his thoracic spine disability was denied by the Board, as his current range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected thoracic strain and dismissed the appeal regarding the proposal to sever service connection for vitamin D deficiency.
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