The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his compression fracture L1 and chronic strain (lumbar spine disability) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of additional limitation of motion or associated neurologic abnormalities.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any muscle spasms, guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour, or radiculopathy related to the Veteran's lumbar spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- compression fracture L1, chronic strain (lumbar spine disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 6, 2020
- Citation
- 20009697
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 20009697.
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 an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for service-connected compression fracture L1, claimed as back injury, is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination to assess the extent of his functional impairment during flare-ups.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected compression fracture L1, claimed as back injury, is remanded due to the inadequacy of the previous VA examination and the need for additional medical evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected residuals, compression fracture, L1, have been rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the disability did not meet or approximate criteria for a higher rating as there was no evidence of forward flexion of 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an effective date prior to August 14, 2007 for the grant of a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) was granted. The effective date is set at November 1, 2005.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.