The appeal for an increased evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain and thoracic strain was denied, while other issues were remanded.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show the Veteran's back disability manifested in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine of 30 degrees or less even when considering flareups and functional impairment on use; ankylosis; or incapacitating episodes of IVDS having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during any 12-month period.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain and thoracic strain, migraines, acquired psychiatric disorder (anxiety and major depressive disorder), right hand and finger disability, bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 9, 2025
- Citation
- A25105661
Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine
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