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Denied

The Board found that the veteran's disc disability of the lumbar spine was not incurred in or aggravated by active service and is unrelated to his service-connected lumbosacral strain. For the period prior to October 5, 2000, the criteria for a higher rating were not met. For the period beginning October 5, 2000, the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain was productive of severe limitation of motion and warranted a 40% rating.

The deciding factor: The Board determined that the veteran's disc disability did not have its onset in service or as a result of his service-connected lumbosacral strain. The VA examiner found no evidence of radiculopathy, and the veteran was able to walk three to five miles without difficulty. For the period beginning October 5, 2000, the Board noted that the veteran's chronic lumbosacral strain resulted in severe limitation of motion.

Claimed conditions
Disc disability of the lumbar spine
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
May 15, 2007
Citation
0714437

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 0714437.

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