The Board found that the veteran's lumbar spondylosis with spinal stenosis status post L2-L5 laminectomy does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, and thus denied his claim for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, nor was there objective neurological abnormality attributable to service-connected back disorder. The veteran's range of motion was greater than required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis with spinal stenosis, degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 28, 2007
- Citation
- 0709042
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 0709042.
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.
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The Board has granted earlier effective dates of January 13, 2020 for the service connection of low back disability and related radiculopathy issues. The Veteran's claims were reopened due to new evidence submitted in January 2020.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
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