The Veteran's service-connected residuals of a compression fracture at L3, fracture of the left lamina of L5, and spondylosis are currently rated as 20 percent disabling. The VA examiner found that the Veteran has some limitation of motion in his lumbar spine but no additional loss due to pain on repetitive motion.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted a reduction in forward flexion from zero to 80 degrees and extension from zero to 18 degrees, with other ranges of motion within normal limits. There was no additional loss of function due to pain or fatigue.
- Claimed conditions
- compression fracture at L3, fracture of the left lamina of L5, spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 29, 2011
- Citation
- 1128277
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1128277.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to a lack of evidence regarding the etiology of the Veteran's cervical spine disorder and an incomplete record of chiropractic care. The Veteran is requested to provide or authorize VA to obtain his treatment records from chiropractors, and an addendum opinion will be provided by a VA examiner.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine discogenic disease status post surgery, spondylosis, and facet arthropathy as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The SMC claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as spondylosis and sacroiliitis with degenerative changes, had its onset during his period of INACDUTRA. As such, service connection is granted.
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