The Veteran's low back disability has been characterized by some pain and occasional flare-ups, but does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 60 degrees but not greater than 85 degrees; combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 120 degrees but not greater than 235 degrees; muscle spasm, guarding or localized tenderness resulting in an abnormal gait; X-ray evidence of arthritis with noncompensable limitation of motion objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion; or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least one week but less than two weeks during the past 12 months.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating based on forward flexion, combined range of motion, muscle spasm, localized tenderness resulting in an abnormal gait, X-ray evidence of arthritis with noncompensable limitation of motion objectively confirmed by findings such as swelling, muscle spasm, or satisfactory evidence of painful motion, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome having a total duration of at least one week but less than two weeks during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- August 26, 2010
- Citation
- 1032156
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 1032156.
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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