The Veteran's thoracolumbar disc disease was initially rated at 10 percent and granted service connection effective May 30, 2006. From November 1, 2007, the disability is rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The September 2006 VA examination found slight restriction of forward flexion to 85 degrees and combined range of motion of 260 degrees (in excess of 'normal' as defined), but no muscle spasm or guarding sufficient to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spine contour. The November 1, 2007 MRI showed a straightening of the Veteran's lordosis secondary to muscle spasm.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 23, 2009
- Citation
- 0915272
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 0915272.
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 Veteran's thoracolumbar disc disease remains at a 40% rating. Service connection for psychiatric disorders, left and right arm numbness are remanded due to inadequate examination standards.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including thoracolumbar disc disease and cervical disc disease with right shoulder disability, have rendered him unable to secure and maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases due to a need for another VA examination to consider the Veteran's lay statements regarding his back pain since service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection and initial ratings are being remanded due to the failure of VA to contact him at his new address in Georgia. The examinations scheduled for June 2018 have not been conducted, and a copy of the Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) was sent to two prior addresses in South Carolina.
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