The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbosacral spinal stenosis was denied as the evidence did not show any additional impairment warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examination and medical records showed that the Veteran had mild to moderate acquired spinal stenosis, but no significant new or worsening symptoms were noted.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spinal stenosis, residuals of cold injuries of each foot
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2009
- Citation
- 0946032
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 0946032.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability has been reopened, but the issue of whether his low back disabilities are related to his service-connected left knee disabilities remains pending and requires further development.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbosacral spinal stenosis, disk bulges at L3-L4 and L5-S1, is currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or ankylosis.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is more likely due to aging and overuse, rather than service-connected knee conditions. The condition was not aggravated by his in-service knee problems.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disability, diagnosed as degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and lumbosacral spinal stenosis, is causally related to his period of military service.
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