The Veteran's spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is not shown to have been manifested by limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less or ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as his range of motion is within normal limits with no additional limitation in function due to pain, weakness or fatigue. The Veteran also does not have ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- migraine headaches, anterior compression fracture of the thoracic and lumbar spine with osteoporosis (spine disability), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity (also claimed as radiculopathy), peripheral neuropathy of the right upper extremity (also claimed as radiculopathy), peripheral neuropathy of the left lower extremity (also claimed as radiculopathy), peripheral neuropathy of the right lower extremity (also claimed as radiculopathy)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 12, 2017
- Citation
- 1738381
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 1738381.
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
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Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder and PTSD. The Veteran will be asked to provide additional medical records and undergo a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD and major depressive disorder, is being remanded due to the need for additional development regarding his alleged stressors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for additional development regarding the Veteran's service connection claim for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for bilateral hearing loss, migraine headaches, and PTSD due to additional development of records and examination.
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