The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability, status post-laminectomy at L4-5, has been rated as 60 percent disabling based on its chronic orthopedic manifestations. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating due to lack of ankylosis or other associated neurologic impairment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it lacks ankylosis and there is no objective evidence of associated neurologic impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease, Partial spinal fusion at L3-4
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- June 23, 2009
- Citation
- 0923574
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 0923574.
What this means for you
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease prior to August 1, 2025 was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to March 10, 2025 were denied as there is no neurological impairment associated with these conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, finding that there was no evidence of chronicity or continuity of symptomatology since service and concluding that his current disabilities are more likely related to an in-service injury than to his military service.
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