The VA denied the veteran's claim for a higher evaluation of his service-connected status post transverse spinous process fracture, currently rated at 20 percent. The disability is characterized by moderate decrease in range of motion with pain but without severe loss of range of motion.
The deciding factor: The veteran's back disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it does not demonstrate severe limitation of motion or other disabling features such as ankylosis, muscle spasm, guarding, or associated neurologic impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- status post transverse spinous process fracture, low back pain, spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 8, 2006
- Citation
- 0638302
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 0638302.
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Related decisions
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The claim for service connection of a low back disability was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The claim is denied as there is no evidence that the current condition is related to service.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and an incomplete record of chiropractic care. The Veteran is requested to provide or authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from chiropractors, and an addendum opinion will be provided by a VA examiner.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
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