The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his chronic thoracolumbar strain and left lower extremity neurological impairment, as well as a TDIU claim. The appeal was not about service connection at all.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under either pre-amended or amended spine regulations due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis, and did not establish incapacitating episodes with total duration of six weeks during any one year period for IVDS. The Veteran's neurological impairment in his left leg was also found not to constitute moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic thoracolumbar strain, DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease), DJD (Degenerative Joint Disease)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 21, 2014
- Citation
- 1411983
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 1411983.
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 Board has granted service connection for a lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis, lumbar retrolisthesis, a vertebral fracture, and DDD (back disability), as well as right and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the back disability. The decision is based on evidence showing an in-service fall causing a back injury that led to current diagnoses.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for DDD and central canal stenosis of the lumbar spine, finding that the appellant's current disability is at least as likely caused by his in-service injury.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for chronic left ankle sprain, right ankle strain, and thoracolumbar strain are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in the prior examinations.
- Granted
The Veteran's thoracolumbar disorder, including arthritis, thoracic spine scoliosis with degenerative changes, DDD, and chronic low back pain, is granted service connection. Service connection for a cervical strain is denied.
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