The Veteran's initial increased disability rating for his chronic thoracolumbar strain and compression fractures was granted, but the effective date remains pending as it has not been determined.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the Veteran's symptoms prior to May 21, 2007 did not meet the criteria for a higher initial rating of 40 percent. Beginning May 21, 2007, his symptoms more closely resembled forward thoracolumbar flexion to 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic thoracolumbar strain, compression fractures
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 22, 2016
- Citation
- 1611622
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 1611622.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for chronic left ankle sprain, right ankle strain, and thoracolumbar strain are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors in the prior examinations.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates for service connection for various conditions, including chronic thoracolumbar strain, radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities, traumatic brain injury with vertigo, and others.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The appeal for both the disability rating and service connection claims has been withdrawn by the Veteran's attorney.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's back disability is rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded his claims for increased ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy associated with his service-connected thoracolumbar strain.
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