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
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability related to service and that the Veteran's current condition is not causally connected to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining treatment records and adequate nexus opinions. The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are now before the Board.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating and service connection was denied. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not characterized by ankylosis, and there is no evidence of bilateral radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lower back disorder, including lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and bilateral lumbar radiculopathy.
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