The Board found that the veteran's degenerative changes of the thoracic spine warranted a 10 percent disability rating, but not higher. The claim for reopening service connection for arteriosclerotic heart disease was granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine did not limit to less than 60 degrees and his combined range of motion did not limit to less than 120 degrees, precluding a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative changes of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 5, 2007
- Citation
- 0703511
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 0703511.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the cases for further examination and evaluation due to inadequate range of motion assessments in previous examinations.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings in excess of the assigned disability ratings have been dismissed.,Service connection has been granted for major depressive disorder.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability, including degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, lumbar spondylosis, and lumbar spine DDD, had its onset in service and has been continuous since separation. Therefore, service connection is granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and impairment of the right lower extremity as a residual of epidural abscess of the thoracic spine are granted with specific ratings, while TDIU for the period from March 28, 2007 to April 13, 2007 is granted.
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.