The veteran's claim for higher ratings for his low back disability and associated lumbar radiculopathy was denied. The RO found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease at L5-L1, or a rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity, lumbar radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of evidence of severe impairment such as ankylosis, positive Goldthwaite's sign, or significant neurological deficits. The veteran's range of motion was consistently within normal limits and his symptoms were generally mild.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease at L5-L1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 13, 2006
- Citation
- 0635275
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 0635275.
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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