The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the spine was denied. The initial rating prior to April 4, 2013, and the subsequent rating from that date were both found not to meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine at less than 60 degrees or greater than 85 degrees, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine at less than 120 degrees or greater than 235 degrees, muscle spasm, guarding, localized tenderness resulting in abnormal gait or spinal contour, or vertebral body fracture with loss of more than 50% of body height.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 28, 2016
- Citation
- 1638195
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 1638195.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD due to MST and low back pain are granted. The case is remanded for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and degenerative arthritis of the spine due to a duty to assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran is eligible for enrollment in the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) based on his service-connected conditions. However, due to a legal inadequacy and the need for a more detailed medical opinion, the case must be remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, back and foot conditions, precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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