The Board has granted a 20 percent evaluation for the veteran's residuals of compression fractures of the thoracic spine and a separate 20 percent evaluation for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, finding that both conditions meet the criteria under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations demonstrated more than slight limitation of motion in both the thoracic and lumbar spines, with pain, tenderness, and other functional limitations. The veteran's condition was rated based on the specific diagnostic codes for these disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- Compression fractures of thoracic (dorsal) spine, Degenerative joint disease of lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 27, 2001
- Citation
- 0126781
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0126781.
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 Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a low back disability, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between his current condition and his military service. The Board noted that while the Veteran reported recurrent back pain during service, medical records did not show any chronic conditions or diagnoses related to this issue until after separation from service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for joint pain, bilateral knee disabilities, and a low back disability are denied. The claims for squamous cell carcinomas of the earlobes, left hand, nose, and right forehead are also denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the bilateral hips, knees, and lumbar spine is not related to his military service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The veteran's total combined rating is currently 60%, which does not meet the threshold requirements for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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