The VA determined that the veteran's back disability, specifically rheumatoid arthritis of the lower thoracic spine and ankylosis of the lumbosacral spine, is currently rated at 40 percent disabling. The Board found no evidence to support a higher rating based on current diagnostic criteria.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or any other applicable diagnostic codes, as there was no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis of the lower thoracic spine, ankylosis of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 8, 2007
- Citation
- 0713526
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 0713526.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Granted
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