The Veteran's increased ratings for degenerative changes, thoracic spine and residuals of lumbar strain are denied as the current evaluations reflect the maximum disability ratings based on limited motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s disabilities do not meet or approximate criteria for higher disability ratings under any applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting specific criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes, thoracic spine, Residuals of lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18157890
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 18157890.
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 initial compensable rating for right knee scar is denied, and his residuals of lumbar strain are granted a 20 percent disability rating effective June 10, 2019.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further evaluation regarding his entitlement to higher levels of SMC and a rating increase for his residual left knee injury. The Board found that he does not meet the legal criteria for SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) based on the lack of anatomical loss or use in his feet, hands, or eyes.
- Whole decision: Denied
The VA has determined that the veteran does not have a right ankle disorder, gastrointestinal/gastroesophageal disability, dorsal spine disability, or bilateral shoulder disability that is service-connected. The lumbar strain condition also cannot be linked to service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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