The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, and chronic mechanical strain has been denied. The Board also found that a TDIU on an extraschedular basis from January 26, 2011 to October 24, 2012 is warranted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, and chronic mechanical strain are currently rated as 40 percent disabling. The criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes have not been met. However, the Veteran has also been awarded a TDIU on an extraschedular basis during this period.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar degenerative joint disease, degenerative disc disease, chronic mechanical strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 11, 2020
- Citation
- A20018386
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 A20018386.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
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