The Veteran's lumbosacral strain and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine was not manifested by or more nearly approximated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees or a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, and thus does not meet the criteria for an initial disability evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to April 13, 2016.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found no additional limitation of motion due to pain during flare-ups or when the joint is used repeatedly over a period of time, and did not find guarding or muscle spasm of the thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- March 14, 2024
- Citation
- 24012103
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 24012103.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
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