The Veteran's service-connected left lumbar spine condition, post-laminectomy and discectomy at L4-L5, is not manifested by unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of six weeks duration. Therefore, the criteria for a higher evaluation are not met.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees with no evidence of ankylosis, which does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- Left lumbar spine hemi-laminectomy and discectomy at L4-L5
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 9, 2012
- Citation
- 1238515
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 1238515.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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