The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine strain with IVDS and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating at any time during the appeal period.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, combined range of thoracolumbar spine motion to 120 degrees or less, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to produce an abnormal spinal contour, or other criteria required for a higher rating under the applicable regulations.

Claimed conditions

thoracolumbar spine strain with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

February 28, 2025

Citation

25002961

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine