The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was not found to warrant an evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to February 5, 2009.,From February 5, 2009, the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was found to be greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, and her combined range of motion was also within this range. There were no findings indicating ankylosis or other severe manifestations that would warrant a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, Degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, Degenerative joint disease of the left knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 19, 2012
- Citation
- 1236345
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 1236345.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee braces caused wear and tear to his clothing in the year of 2021, leading to a decision granting annual clothing allowances for both knee braces.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was granted with effective dates of May 13, 2019.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed as a matter of law due to a full grant of benefits. The appeals for left knee and left ankle disabilities are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ is directed to obtain an addendum medical opinion that addresses the extent of flareups experienced by the Veteran.
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