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Denied

The Veteran's low back disability, characterized as history of spondylolysis, L5, with mechanical low back pain, was rated at 20 percent prior to September 26, 2003. Since then, the medical evidence does not show any forward flexion findings of the thoracolumbar spine that are 30 degrees or less, any objective compensable neurological manifestations associated with his service-connected low back disability, or any ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under former Diagnostic Code 5292 and there was no evidence of severe limitation of motion as defined by the revised criteria.

Claimed conditions
History of spondylolysis, L5
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
June 15, 2009
Citation
0922443

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 0922443.

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