The VA denied an increased rating for the veteran's service-connected mechanical low back pain with abnormal deep tendon reflexes, currently evaluated at 50 percent. The RO granted a 30 percent evaluation instead.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating as the veteran's disability was manifested by flexion of at least 50 degrees, extension of at least 25 degrees, right lateral flexion and left lateral flexion each of at least 10 degrees, with muscle spasm but no significant sensory impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- mechanical low back pain with abnormal deep tendon reflexes, limitation of lateral motion, mild paraspinous muscle spasm, no evidence of nerve root entrapment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 17, 2005
- Citation
- 0513388
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 0513388.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
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- Granted
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