The Veteran's back disability, characterized as lumbosacral and upper thoracic strain with degenerative disc disease, has not met the criteria for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent. The evidence does not show forward flexion limited to less than 60 degrees, a combined range of motion of 120 degrees or less, muscle spasm resulting in abnormal gait, IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least two weeks but less than four weeks during the past 12 months, or x-ray evidence of arthritis with involvement of two or more major joints or minor joint groups.
The deciding factor: The VA examination report did not show the required functional loss due to pain, weakness, fatigue, lack of endurance, or incoordination that would warrant a higher rating. The Veteran's back disability does not meet the criteria for an increased rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Back disability (lumbosacral and upper thoracic strain with degenerative disc disease)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 3, 2026
- Citation
- A26010163
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 A26010163.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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