The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected DDD of the thoracolumbar spine was denied, and he is not entitled to a TDIU based on his service-connected disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's DDD of the thoracolumbar spine did not result in favorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease of the Thoracolumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 11, 2013
- Citation
- 1308144
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1308144.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed as the claims have been fully granted with effective dates assigned.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's TBI, GERD, headaches, ED, right knee arthritis, left hip strain, and right hip strain are all granted service connection.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is also granted as secondary to right knee arthritis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical examinations. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.
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