The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected dorsal spine disability, finding that the evidence did not support ratings in excess of 20 percent prior to August 18, 2006, and 40 percent thereafter.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed limited flexion but no ankylosis or neurological deficits. The veteran's symptoms were consistent with a chronic condition without significant additional functional loss due to pain or other factors.
- Claimed conditions
- Compression fracture of T4-T6 of the dorsal spine, Degenerative arthritis of the dorsal spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 12, 2007
- Citation
- 0732122
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 0732122.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a higher disability rating for his dorsal spine degenerative arthritis is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's increased rating claims for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar, dorsal, and cervical spines. The claim to reopen service connection for a left shoulder disability was also denied due to lack of new and material evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical and dorsal spine disabilities are being remanded for additional development.
- Denied
The veteran's service-connected disabilities do not prevent him from securing or following substantially gainful employment, considering the impairment from the disorders and his educational and occupational background.
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