The VA denied increased ratings for both the lumbar spine disorder and thoracic strain, maintaining that the current evaluations are appropriate based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The VA found no new or material evidence to support a higher rating for either condition under the old criteria. The veteran's symptoms were described as mild with no significant impairment in motion or neurological function.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis at L2-L5, Thoracic strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 3, 2005
- Citation
- 0515124
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 0515124.
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.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as there is no evidence that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted an increased rating of 40 percent for thoracic strain throughout the review period, which represents a full grant of benefits sought on appeal.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for his thoracic spine disability was denied by the Board, as his current range of motion does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the service-connected thoracic strain and dismissed the appeal regarding the proposal to sever service connection for vitamin D deficiency.
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