The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and associated neurological abnormalities are currently rated at the minimum levels, with no higher ratings warranted based on current evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is currently evaluated as 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5242. The criteria for a higher rating require unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, which is not demonstrated in this case. For sciatic nerve impairment, ratings are assigned based on neurological findings and current evidence does not support a finding of severe or moderately severe conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar Spine Disability, Sciatic Nerve Impairment of Right Lower Extremity, Sciatic Nerve Impairment of Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2016
- Citation
- 1602023
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 1602023.
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: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as there is no prior unadjudicated claim found in the record. The issue of TDIU was not raised until after a final rating decision on service connection for PTSD and TBI.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's right and left shoulder rotator cuff disabilities, effective from March 25, 2008 and February 28, 2008 respectively. The thoracolumbar spine disability was also rated at 40 percent, but a temporary total disability rating for convalescence following a January 13, 2016 left shoulder surgery was denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands all issues on appeal for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and ensuring compliance with prior remand directives.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, thoracolumbar spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and right wrist disability.
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