The Veteran's arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was evaluated as 20 percent disabling from August 20, 2003 until March 25, 2009. Since then, his condition has warranted a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's arthritis did not meet criteria for an increased rating due to limitation of motion or unfavorable ankylosis during the period from August 11, 2008 until March 25, 2009. However, his radiculopathy warranted separate evaluations.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 17, 2009
- Citation
- 0943780
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 0943780.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an effective date of March 26, 2018, for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with IVDS and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted. The rating assigned is 40 percent.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of a 50 percent rating for TMJ disorder and denied a higher rating, while also granting an initial 40 percent rating for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and denying a higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's spine, bilateral lower extremity, and foot disabilities due to a Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR). The issues include increased ratings for these conditions as well as entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance and loss of use.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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