The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and spondylosis, lumbar spine did not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating due to limitations in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine.,For anxiety disorder (NOS), the evidence did not demonstrate occupational and social impairment with reduced reliability and productivity as required for a 50% rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative arthritis and spondylosis, lumbar spine had forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees, which did not meet the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis and Spondylosis, Lumbar Spine, Anxiety Disorder (NOS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 15, 2014
- Citation
- 1402246
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 1402246.
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: Granted
The Veteran's anxiety disorder is rated at 50% for the period prior to April 29, 2021. A higher rating of 70% or greater is denied. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective June 25, 2019.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has not been received to reopen the previously denied claim of entitlement to service connection for a seizure disorder. The Veteran's claims for increased disability evaluations for anxiety disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity, peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity, and left ear hearing loss are remanded due to incomplete development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for his psychiatric condition, including anxiety disorder (NOS) with features of PTSD and mild recurrent major depressive disorder, was denied by the Board. The evidence showed that the Veteran’s conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and TBI residuals have been granted a 70 percent rating effective from August 28, 2014.
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