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Denied

The Veteran's osteophytosis of the lumbar spine has been rated at 40 percent, but his symptoms do not warrant a higher rating as he does not have ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The disability is currently evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's flexion was limited to 20 degrees with pain, which did not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis or a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes.

Claimed conditions
osteoophytosis of the lumbar spine
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
October 25, 2017
Citation
1747988

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 1747988.

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