The Veteran's claims for an increased rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability and service connection for a right knee disorder were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under any applicable rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and other medical records did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at or below 30 degrees, nor did they demonstrate incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during the past 12 months. The Veteran's symptoms were considered in light of his credible and non-credible statements.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 23, 2014
- Citation
- 1423640
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 1423640.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence for the Veteran's claims of service connection for back and right knee disabilities. The claim for a back disability is granted, while the claim for a right knee disability is remanded due to insufficient rationale in supporting opinions.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine from April 13, 2015 to January 7, 2019.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of March 21, 2024 for service connection to the Veteran for degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); and radiculopathy, left lower, sciatic.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for further development, including obtaining a more comprehensive VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.