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Denied

The Board finds that the veteran's service-connected low back disability with degenerative disc disease L3-S1 is manifested by complaints of pain with recurring attacks, but no clinical evidence of more than moderate limitation of motion, no demonstrable muscle spasm and no clinical or special test evidence of neurological impairment. The criteria for entitlement to a higher disability rating have not been met.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the veteran's low back disability is manifested by complaints of pain with recurring attacks but does not demonstrate more than moderate limitation of motion, muscle spasm, or neurological findings as required for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.

Claimed conditions
Low back disability with degenerative disc disease L3-S1
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
August 20, 2002
Citation
0210116

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 0210116.

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