The VA denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, as the veteran's condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or other factors.
The deciding factor: The veteran's service-connected degenerative change of the lumbar spine did not cause limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor severe limitation of motion. Ankylosis and severe lumbosacral strain were also not shown.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 14, 2006
- Citation
- 0617273
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 0617273.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected degenerative changes of the lumbar spine and increased the disability rating for the lumbar spine to 20 percent effective August 18, 2023.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a back disability to verify the Veteran's period(s) of active duty for training (ACDUTRA), inactive duty for training (IDT), and/or active duty for special work (ADSW) from September 2013 to August 2021, and to obtain a VA examination.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, as secondary to a service-connected lumbosacral strain with spinal stenosis and spondylosis.
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for service connection for a low back disability, right shoulder disability, and left shoulder disability as there is no credible evidence of an in-service injury or disease that caused these conditions.
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