The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his thoracolumbar spine disorder prior to January 31, 1974 was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent before this date. Between January 31, 1974 and February 8, 2001, a 20 percent disability rating for thoracolumbar strain was reasonably warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence prior to January 31, 1974 did not show the presence of a fracture of a vertebral body or severe lumbosacral strain with marked motion restriction. Between January 31, 1974 and February 8, 2001, manifestations included complaints of pain and spasms but no evidence of a fractured vertebral body.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar strain with spondylosis at L5 and conversion deformity at T1-2
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 12, 2011
- Citation
- 1138067
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 1138067.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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- Denied
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- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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