The Board denied an initial evaluation in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's service-connected spine disability, finding that the criteria for a higher rating were not met at any point during the pendency of this appeal.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The veteran's symptoms, while painful and limiting his ability to bend and squat, did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA guidelines.
- Claimed conditions
- T-12 compression fracture, small bulging disc at L5-S1, posterior facet degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, bilateral lumbar radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 26, 2006
- Citation
- 0630314
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 0630314.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lower back disorder, including lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and bilateral lumbar radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral leg disability, finding a relationship to the Veteran's active military service during the Gulf War Era.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability due to insufficient information provided by the VA examinations. The case will be returned for further evaluation and an updated examination.
- Denied
The Board found that the veteran's back disorder was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is not related to a disease or injury of service origin. The Board also noted that degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine may not be presumed to be related to service, and the current back disorder does not meet the criteria for secondary service connection.
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