The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was initially rated as noncompensable prior to May 17, 2011. From May 17, 2011 to March 1, 2013, a compensable rating (10%) was granted. After September 1, 2013, the Veteran's condition warranted a higher rating of at least 20%.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative arthritis did not meet criteria for a compensable rating prior to May 17, 2011 due to lack of limitation of motion. From May 17, 2011 to March 1, 2013, the disability was manifested by limited flexion (limited to 15 degrees). After September 1, 2013, the condition warranted a higher rating as it did not meet criteria for favorable ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 21, 2014
- Citation
- 1451837
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 1451837.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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 of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed as a matter of law due to a full grant of benefits. The appeals for left knee and left ankle disabilities are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disability and associated radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves are granted with effective dates from June 30, 2010. A 40% rating is assigned for the lumbar disability.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 40 percent for his back disability is denied. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU from February 25, 2016, to August 14, 2022, is also denied. The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is denied.
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