The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability does not warrant a rating higher than 20 percent, as her range of motion did not meet criteria for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings showed forward flexion exceeding 30 degrees and no favorable ankylosis, which precluded the assignment of a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, rib injury
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 8, 2016
- Citation
- 1609189
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 1609189.
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 Board has remanded the claim due to new evidence associated with the file, and the case will be reviewed by the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ).
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, L5-S1 disc narrowing, and T12-S1 osteophytes is granted with an effective date of January 1, 2014.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's claimed rib injury and its relationship to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical opinions and overlooked evidence regarding the Veteran's rib injury during service.
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.