The Board has determined that the veteran's service-connected residuals of compression fractures at L2-3-4 and right femur fracture do not warrant increased evaluations, as his symptoms are considered severe but do not meet criteria for higher ratings under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding that the veteran's low back condition is more than severe in degree or that he has intervertebral disc syndrome with recurring attacks and little intermittent relief. The evaluation of residuals of compression fractures at L2-3-4 remains at 40 percent, as there are no findings to warrant an increase.
- Claimed conditions
- Compression fractures of L2-3-4, Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2002
- Citation
- 0202037
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 0202037.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the Veteran's death while it was pending.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, finding a positive nexus to the Veteran's active duty service.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal of proposed rating reductions for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy, left lower extremity, due to procedural defects in the Veteran's notice of disagreement. The issue regarding a compensable rating for migraine headaches was remanded.
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