The Board denied the claim for an increased rating for a lumbosacral spine strain disability, as the Veteran's lumbar spine symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: Based on the evidence, including VA examinations and treatment records, the Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, which does not warrant a rating in excess of 10 percent under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 21, 2025
- Citation
- 25006940
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for evaluations in excess of the assigned ratings and service connection claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the case to correct a duty to assist error that occurred prior to the rating decision on appeal, specifically regarding an adequate VA examination or medical opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's back disorder prior to August 5, 2023.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral spine strain from December 28, 2021, and granted service connection for erectile dysfunction (ED) as secondary to UTSRD and obstructive sleep apnea.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to various disability ratings and service connection for further development, as the current evidence is incomplete.
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