The Veteran's low back disability, characterized by severe pain and limitation of motion, has been rated at the highest available rating under the musculoskeletal system criteria. However, there is no evidence of ankylosis of the entire spine or associated neurologic abnormalities that would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran does not have ankylosis of the entire spine and his symptoms are fully contemplated by the current 60 percent rating under the musculoskeletal system criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus lumbosacral spine, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic spondyloarthropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- January 15, 2014
- Citation
- 1402126
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 1402126.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, including retrolisthesis of L3 over L4 and ankylosing spondylitis (claimed as low back condition) has been dismissed due to withdrawal by the appellant.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's daughter seeks recognition as his child for purposes of entitlement to DIC benefits due to permanent incapacity for self-support prior to the age of 18. The appellant submitted medical records and statements describing her disability, but VA did not provide an extension to obtain additional private treatment records. The Board finds this a procedural error and remands the case.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis affecting his lumbar spine is remanded due to the need for additional medical opinions and treatment records.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar sprain with ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spine strain, and tension headaches have rendered her unable to obtain or maintain a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work history prior to August 30, 2022.
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