Denied
The Board denied an increased rating higher than 20 percent for lumbar muscle strain with degenerative osteoarthritis based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability was manifested, at its worst, by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 40 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar muscle strain with degenerative osteoarthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 11, 2025
- Citation
- 25002072
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