Injury or strain to the lower back muscles and ligaments. Often results in chronic pain and limited range of motion.
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine
Unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or; forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less; or, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees; or, muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; or, muscle spasm, guarding, or localized tenderness not resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of 50 percent or more of the height
Forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 85 degrees but not greater than 90 degrees; or, the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 235 degrees but not greater than 240 degrees; or, vertebral body fracture with loss of less than 50 percent of the height
Medical Evidence
Current diagnosis from a qualified healthcare provider, medical records documenting symptoms and treatment history
Service Connection
Evidence linking your condition to military service (service treatment records, incident reports, or nexus letter)
Personal Statement
Your detailed account of how lumbar strain affects your daily life and when symptoms began
Lay Evidence
Buddy letters from fellow service members or family who can corroborate your symptoms
During your Compensation & Pension exam for lumbar strain, examiners will assess your symptoms against the rating criteria above.
Be specific: Describe your worst day, not your average day
Document everything: Bring copies of all medical records and evidence
Functional impact: Explain how symptoms affect work, sleep, and daily activities
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