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Denied

The Veteran's mechanical mid-low back pain has been rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The Board finds that the current disability picture does not warrant a higher evaluation as there are no incapacitating episodes or intervertebral disc syndrome present.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion and symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as her forward flexion is limited to 50 degrees with pain at 30 degrees. There are no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.

Claimed conditions
Mechanical mid-low back pain
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
August 31, 2015
Citation
1537234

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 1537234.

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