The Board found that the veteran's mechanical low back pain with lumbar strain is properly rated at 10 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5295, as there was no evidence of muscle spasm on extreme forward bending or loss of lateral spine motion in a standing position. The limitation of motion tests conducted during VA examinations did not warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The veteran's range of motion tests did not demonstrate the presence of muscle spasm on extreme forward bending, loss of lateral spine motion, unilateral, in a standing position, or significant limitation of motion that would justify a higher evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5295. The limitations found were within normal limits with pain noted at maximum ranges.
- Claimed conditions
- Mechanical low back with lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 19, 2001
- Citation
- 0118846
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 0118846.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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