The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations consistently showed forward flexion greater than 30 degrees, with no ankylosis. The functional loss due to pain did not more nearly approximate limitation of flexion to less than 30 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 1, 2018
- Citation
- 1806563
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1806563.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine, right foot heel spurs, left foot heel spurs, and OSA are all granted. The claim for PTSD is denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective August 16, 2002. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome. However, the Veteran was granted TDIU prior to December 14, 2012.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his thoracolumbar spine disability and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence of incapacitating episodes or other factors warranting a higher rating.
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