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Granted

The Veteran's low back disorder is currently rated at 20 percent, effective October 15, 2010. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor ankylosis of the lumbar spine.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disorder does not meet the criteria for a higher schedular rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine as his forward flexion was found to be at least 60 degrees with no additional limitation in range of motion after repetitive testing. The Board also noted that there is no evidence of intervertebral disc syndrome or ankylosis.

Claimed conditions
low back disorder
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
January 15, 2015
Citation
1502095

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 1502095.

What this means for you

A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.

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