The Veteran's arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine is rated at 40 percent, effective from August 21, 2011. He also has separate ratings for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, each rated at 20 percent, beginning December 13, 2016. The Veteran's hypertension and thrombophlebitis are not service-connected.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations supported the findings that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability more nearly approximated flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, but did not approximate ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. The Veteran also had separate ratings for left and right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2017
- Citation
- 1748968
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 1748968.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an effective date of March 26, 2018, for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with IVDS and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted. The rating assigned is 40 percent.
- Partly granted
The Board granted restoration of a 50 percent rating for TMJ disorder and denied a higher rating, while also granting an initial 40 percent rating for arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and denying a higher rating.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded multiple issues related to the Veteran's spine, bilateral lower extremity, and foot disabilities due to a Joint Motion for Partial Remand (JMPR). The issues include increased ratings for these conditions as well as entitlement to SMC based on aid and attendance and loss of use.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims of service connection for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities, finding that there is no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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