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Denied

The Board denied a higher initial rating for the Veteran's service-connected facet osteoarthritis with right L5 pars interarticularis defect of the lumbar spine, finding that the evidence did not support a higher evaluation based on limitation of motion or other factors such as pain.

The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records did not show findings consistent with a higher 20 percent rating for limitation of flexion to 60 degrees or more, combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, or muscle spasm or guarding resulting in abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.

Claimed conditions
facet osteoarthritis with right L5 pars interarticularis defect of the lumbar spine (claimed as back condition)
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
10%
Decision date
July 11, 2017
Citation
1726558

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 1726558.

What this means for you

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