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Denied

The Veteran's initial ratings for chronic low back pain with spondylolisthesis of L5 and intermittent sciatica were increased to 40 percent effective June 20, 2013. The Veteran's initial rating for migraine headaches was not increased.

The deciding factor: Effective June 20, 2013, the Veteran's chronic low back pain with spondylolisthesis of L5 and intermittent sciatica is manifested by forward flexion limited to 50 degrees, weekly muscle spasms, and an altered gait. This meets the criteria for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 5237.

Claimed conditions
Chronic low back pain with spondylolisthesis of L5 and intermittent sciatica
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
February 27, 2014
Citation
1408583

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 1408583.

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