The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine with low back pain/strain was found to be productive of flexion limited to 70 degrees at worse, but not limited to greater than 30 degree and not greater than 60 degrees. The combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine was greater than 120 degrees; however, there were no neurological symptoms related to his condition. As a result, an initial rating in excess of 20 percent prior to September 25, 2010, and of 10 percent from that date is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings as it was found to be productive of flexion limited to 70 degrees at worse, but not limited to greater than 30 degree and not greater than 60 degrees. The combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine was greater than 120 degrees; however, there were no neurological symptoms related to his condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Thoracic Spine with Low Back Pain/Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- February 1, 2016
- Citation
- 1603244
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 1603244.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation of 20% prior to September 25, 2010, and 10% from that date for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine with low back pain/strain is being remanded due to the need for additional examination and development.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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.