The Board denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's service-connected low back strain, finding that his disability resulted in moderate pain and muscle spasm on extreme forward bending.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome. The veteran’s symptoms were primarily related to chronic lumbosacral strain with mild degenerative changes, but without significant neurological involvement.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbosacral strain, spina bifida occulta
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 24, 2007
- Citation
- 0702134
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 0702134.
What this means for you
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for spina bifida occulta (claimed as low back condition or back) was denied because he failed to report for a required VA examination without good cause, and the criteria for direct service connection were not met.
- Denied
The Veteran's child is denied benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1805 for spina bifida because the diagnosis of spina bifida occulta does not meet the criteria.
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