The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine DJD has been manifested by forward flexion limited to no less than 70 degrees, including as a result of pain during repetitive motion. The medical does not reflect any additional functional limitation due to pain or similar symptoms on repeated use or during flare-ups; nor does the evidence reflect that the service-connected disability is manifested by ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) with incapacitating episodes. Therefore, the criteria for a higher rating are not met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine DJD has been shown to have forward flexion limited to no less than 70 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for any of the higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The medical evidence did not reflect additional functional limitation due to pain or similar symptoms on repeated use or during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 14, 2015
- Citation
- 1539294
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1539294.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death. The claims for service connection on all listed conditions are not before the Board.
- Whole decision: Granted
The appeal challenging the propriety of the reduction in the rating for the Veteran's low back disability from 20 percent to 10 percent, effective July 1, 2024, is granted; restoration of a 20 percent rating from the effective date of the reduction is granted.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions have made it necessary for him to rely on the aid and attendance of another person since March 30, 2016. The Board has granted SMC based on this need.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease, including as secondary to right knee degenerative joint disease. The Veteran's service-connected right knee degenerative joint disease is considered a 'but-for' cause of his thoracolumbar spine condition.
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.