The Veteran's service-connected traumatic arthritis of the thoracic spine is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is appropriate given his current range of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion was limited to a maximum of 70 degrees with combined range of motion not exceeding 158 degrees. These findings do not meet the criteria for any higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as he does not have muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2014
- Citation
- 1401515
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 1401515.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the TDIU claim due to insufficient evidence and a need for updated VA examinations. The Veteran's service-connected disabilities are being evaluated to determine if they prevent him from securing or maintaining employment.
- Granted
The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for the cause of death and DIC under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1318, as new and material evidence was received since the last final denial.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his service-connected traumatic arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spines, finding that a rating in excess of the current ratings is not warranted.
- Granted
The veteran's claims for higher disability ratings and service connection have been granted. The specific conditions include traumatic arthritis of the lumbosacral spine, cervical spine, thoracic spine, and dermatitis. Service connection has also been established for erectile dysfunction.
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