The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available under VA regulations. The Board finds that his disability does not warrant a higher evaluation based on the evidence provided.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine has been evaluated as 10 percent disabling since July 2008, and there is no evidence presented to suggest an increase in severity or additional functional impairment that would warrant a higher rating under VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 17, 2017
- Citation
- 1727816
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 1727816.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed as a matter of law due to a full grant of benefits. The appeals for left knee and left ankle disabilities are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disability and associated radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves are granted with effective dates from June 30, 2010. A 40% rating is assigned for the lumbar disability.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 40 percent for his back disability is denied. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU from February 25, 2016, to August 14, 2022, is also denied. The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is denied.
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