The Veteran's thoracic spine disability was granted a 60 percent evaluation effective October 22, 2012. The claim for higher evaluations prior to that date remains denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination and treatment records showed significant improvement in the Veteran's thoracic spine disability with an increase in flexion range of motion from 30 degrees to 45 degrees on lateral rotation.
- Claimed conditions
- Multiple level disc disease, thoracic and lumbar spine, Left lower extremity radiculitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- April 27, 2016
- Citation
- 1616809
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 1616809.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for post laminectomy syndrome, fusion of L5-S1 was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion to 30 degrees or less nor ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculitis prior to December 24, 2014 was denied as there was no evidence of moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for left lower extremity radiculitis from December 24, 2014 was denied as there was no evidence of moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative arthritis and left lower extremity radiculitis from October 19, 2011 onwards is being remanded due to the need for further examination. His initial claim for a higher rating prior to January 6, 2009 for left lower extremity radiculitis has been granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's thoracic spine disability was granted an initial rating of 40 percent prior to August 18, 2010. The condition resulted in severe pain and limited range of motion, but no unfavorable ankylosis.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA's General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
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.