The Veteran's back condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating, as it did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The current 20% disability rating remains valid.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as per VA regulations and medical evidence provided.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 20, 2018
- Citation
- 18159802
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 18159802.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of spine and cervical strain due to insufficient medical opinion regarding direct, secondary, or aggravation causation.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for service-connected degenerative arthritis of spine with intervertebral disc syndrome status post right L5-S1 microdiscectomy associated with left knee chronic strain and post operative anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and medial meniscus repair was denied as his symptoms are not severe enough to warrant a higher rating.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to October 2, 2017 and from December 1, 2017 to September 22, 2021. The appeal for a higher rating is denied. SMC based on need for regular aid and attendance (prior to September 15, 2022) was also denied. However, since September 15, 2022, the Veteran's entitlement to increased level of SMC has been granted.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine injury, back disorder and OSA. The Veteran's loss of use of both feet due to his ankle disorders is also granted, with a combined rating of 80 percent.
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