The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's lumbar spine disability and denied entitlement to a total disability evaluation due to individual unemployability arising from his service-connected disability. The veteran's low back disability is characterized by severe limitation of motion, fused vertebra from L3 through S1, muscle spasm, and chronic low-grade pain with intermittent exacerbation of severe pain and radiculopathy without significant neurologic deficit.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for an increased evaluation or a total disability rating due to individual unemployability based on his service-connected disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Status post back fusion of the L3 through S1 vertebra with iliac bone graft
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 27, 2006
- Citation
- 0618873
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 0618873.
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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