The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent prior to July 21, 2010 or from October 1, 2010 through September 26, 2013. For the period of September 27, 2013 through January 7, 2016, it has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 40 percent. After January 8, 2016, it has not met the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 50 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's DDD did not result in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome over the past 12 months during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease of the Thoracolumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 7, 2016
- Citation
- 1645918
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 1645918.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection were dismissed as the claims have been fully granted with effective dates assigned.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for PTSD, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine.
- Granted
The Veteran's TBI, GERD, headaches, ED, right knee arthritis, left hip strain, and right hip strain are all granted service connection.,Service connection for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine is also granted as secondary to right knee arthritis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection due to procedural issues and the need for additional medical examinations. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for further development.
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