The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the veteran's lumbar spine injury, as the residuals have not been manifested by muscle spasm on extreme forward bending or forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the veteran's lumbar spine condition met the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- residuals of a lumbar spine injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 10, 2008
- Citation
- 0811947
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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