The Board denied an initial evaluation higher than 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected traumatic injuries to the lumbosacral spine, with chronic lumbosacral strain and subsequent multilevel degenerative disc disease.
The deciding factor: The most competent, probative, and recent medical findings established range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine to 90 degrees, with further diminution to 60 degrees due to pain on use. There is no indication of characteristic signs and symptoms of lumbosacral strain or Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS).
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic injuries to the lumbosacral spine, Chronic lumbosacral strain, Multilevel degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 8, 2012
- Citation
- 1216578
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 1216578.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for multilevel degenerative disc disease and bilateral hearing loss, while remanding the claims for Alzheimer's disease, a mental health disability, disabilities manifested by generalized weakness of the lower extremities, and a heart disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to obtain an adequate examination.
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