The Veteran's back condition is currently rated at 20 percent, which reflects the limitation of motion and muscle spasms. The evidence does not support a higher rating as forward flexion is limited to at most 40 degrees during flare-ups.,The Veteran's gastritis is currently rated at 20 percent, reflecting moderate symptoms that are not severe. There were no episodes of severe symptoms or recurrent incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not support the assignment of a higher rating for either condition based on current symptomatology and diagnostic criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Spina Bifida with Muscle Spasms (Back Condition)","diagnosis_codes":["5293"]}, {"condition_name":"Gastritis","diagnosis_codes":["7305"]}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 13, 2020
- Citation
- 20066093
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
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