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Denied

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating above 40 percent for low back disability was denied, as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting criteria.,The Veteran's mental health disability (anxiety and depression) was granted a 70 percent rating, reflecting significant occupational and social impairment.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for at least unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes meeting criteria.

Claimed conditions
Low back pain due to degenerative disc disease, Generalized anxiety disorder and depression
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
70%
Decision date
May 22, 2020
Citation
20035731

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 20035731.

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