The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability is denied as the evidence does not show that he meets or nearly meets the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows no incapacitating episodes, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire lumbar spine, or functional equivalent thereof. The Veteran's symptoms are limited to pain and weakness during flare-ups but do not result in ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Thoracolumbar Spine, IVDS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 20, 2018
- Citation
- 1810467
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 1810467.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD qualifies for a TDIU and SMC, while other conditions are rated appropriately. The appeal is denied for higher ratings in several cases.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's increased rating claims for RLE and LLE radiculopathy have been dismissed.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for lumbar spine disability has been denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient medical opinions regarding the Veteran's back conditions and her service connection claim. The VA will obtain a new opinion from a qualified examiner.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, finding that the earliest possible effective date was September 9, 2022.
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