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Denied

The Veteran's service-connected low back condition with degenerative joint disease (DJD) is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that it does not warrant a higher rating based on the evidence of record.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s low back disability has been evaluated under Diagnostic Code 5237 for lumbosacral strain. The criteria for a higher evaluation are not met as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than 30 degrees, or favorable ankylosis.

Claimed conditions
Low back condition with DJD
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
November 2, 2011
Citation
1140660

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 1140660.

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