The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied as there is no evidence showing forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine less than or equal to 30 degrees, extension of zero to 10 degrees, left lateral flexion of zero to 20 degrees, and right lateral flexion of zero to 20 degrees. The Veteran did not have incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past twelve months.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings showed limited range of motion without ankylosis or other objective neurologic abnormalities, which precluded a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 7, 2010
- Citation
- 1013228
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 1013228.
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
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