The Veteran's back disability, which includes a thoracolumbar spine posterior surgical fusion and residual degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, and disc bulge, has been rated at 20 percent since the grant of service connection. The Board finds that this rating is appropriate based on the evidence showing pain, limited motion, but no ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- status-post thoracolumbar spine posterior surgical fusion, residual degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, disc bulge
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 24, 2015
- Citation
- 1526956
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 1526956.
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.
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The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbar spine discogenic disease status post surgery, spondylosis, and facet arthropathy as secondary to his service-connected right ankle disability. The SMC claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as spondylosis and sacroiliitis with degenerative changes, had its onset during his period of INACDUTRA. As such, service connection is granted.
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