The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has not manifested as or more closely approximated forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine (or its functional equivalent), or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome. Therefore, a rating in excess of 20 percent is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine (or its functional equivalent), or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- compression fracture of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 21, 2022
- Citation
- 22041802
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 22041802.
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 adjustment disorder with depressed mood, compression fracture of the lumbar spine, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity have been rated based on their current manifestations. The TDIU claim has also been granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of his back disability and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Board finds that the Veteran did not experience an additional disability caused by VA care, resulting in left foot drop after undergoing left knee replacement surgery. The claim is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spines are currently rated at 20 percent each, with no higher ratings being granted. The effective date for these increased ratings is not specified.
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