The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back condition and psychiatric disability have been denied. For the period prior to July 31, 2018, the Veteran’s low back condition is not productive of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis, resulting in a rating no higher than 10 percent. For the period from July 31, 2018, his low back condition does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as forward flexion was at least 50 degrees and he did not have favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Veteran's psychiatric disability is rated at 50 percent prior to August 31, 2012; 30 percent from August 31, 2012 to June 24, 2019; and in excess of 70 percent thereafter under Diagnostic Code 9411. The Veteran's psychiatric disability is rated at the maximum available rating.

The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition based on the criteria provided by the VA Rating Schedule.

Claimed conditions

mild degenerative joint disease lumbar spine

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 16, 2019

Citation

19194294

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 19194294.