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Denied

The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with spondylosis and scoliosis has been rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The VA examiners found that his forward flexion was to 90 degrees, extension to 10 degrees, left and right lateral flexion to 20 degrees, and left and right lateral rotation to 20 degrees. These findings do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for ankylosis or other specific conditions that would warrant a higher disability rating.

Claimed conditions
Degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine with spondylosis and scoliosis
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
November 20, 2014
Citation
1451610

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 1451610.

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