The veteran's lumbar spine disability is manifested by complaints of pain, tenderness and stiffness; and no more than moderate limitation of spine motion consisting of 80 degrees of forward flexion in the low back accompanied by pain, beginning at 60 degrees; extension limited to 30 degrees, with pain beginning at 20 degrees; left and right side bending limited to 30 degrees, with pain at 20 degrees; and no evidence of deformity. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 20 percent for lumbar spine strain have not been met.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code due to his remaining range of motion, which is most likely more than half of normal.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 9, 2005
- Citation
- 0503412
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 0503412.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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