The Veteran's initial increased evaluation for his L1 fracture and degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine was granted, with a rating of 20 percent effective April 28, 2008. The current disability is rated as 40% disabling due to ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability has been shown to have worsened such that he now requires a higher evaluation than the initial one granted in June 2005.
- Claimed conditions
- L1 fracture, degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 5, 2010
- Citation
- 1012646
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 1012646.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and thoracic/lumbar spine, both secondary to left shoulder fracture.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims due to incomplete records and for additional examinations to determine the current severity of his disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine and uveitis are being remanded due to the addition of VA treatment records, including visual field test results from a July 2016 examination. These records may be relevant to his disability evaluations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran requested to withdraw his appeal for a total disability based on individual unemployability.,The Board has remanded the claims of service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder due to potential new evidence and further development is needed.,The claim for increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine remains pending. A VA examination will be conducted to assess the current severity of the condition.,The claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and an acquired psychiatric disorder are remanded due to potential new evidence from the Veteran's hearing and need further development.,A VA examination is needed to determine if the Veteran has a diagnosed acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder. The examiner must also attempt to corroborate the Veteran’s reported stressors.
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