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Denied

The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected chronic low back pain and strain does not warrant an evaluation in excess of 20 percent, as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The deciding factor: The veteran's disability did not result in severe lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome, or other conditions that would justify a higher rating. His range of motion was within normal limits and he did not exhibit symptoms such as listing to the opposite side, positive Goldthwaite's sign, marked limitation of forward bending, loss of lateral motion with osteo-arthritic changes, or abnormal mobility on forced motion.

Claimed conditions
chronic low back pain and strain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
September 28, 2000
Citation
0026028

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 0026028.

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