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Denied

The Veteran's service-connected low back strain with arthritic changes was not shown to meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent, as his range of motion did not warrant such an increase.

The deciding factor: The VA examination revealed limited forward flexion and rotation but no muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour. The Veteran's symptoms were primarily pain without significant functional loss.

Claimed conditions
Low back strain with arthritic changes
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
10%
Decision date
January 11, 2012
Citation
1201130

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 1201130.

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