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Denied

The veteran's claim for a higher rating for mechanical low back pain is denied as the evidence does not show ankylosis, severe limitation of motion, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc disease.,The veteran's claim for a higher rating for undiagnosed illness, manifested by fatigue and headaches, is denied as the evidence does not meet the criteria for very frequent prostrating attacks or debilitating fatigue.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not show incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc disease requiring bedrest. The veteran's back disability has been manifested by subjective complaints of spasms and worsening pain, with objective findings including normal gait, X-rays, limitation in motion, and excellent muscle strength.

Claimed conditions
Mechanical Low Back Pain, Undiagnosed Illness (manifested by fatigue and headaches)
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
None in this decision
Decision date
June 2, 2005
Citation
0515008

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 0515008.

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