The Veteran's claim for a higher disability rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability was denied, and the reduction from 40 percent to 20 percent was upheld. The evidence did not support an increased rating based on forward flexion or favorable ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion did not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as his forward flexion was less than 30 degrees and he had no unfavorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar strain, Spondylosis, Disc protrusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 19, 2020
- Citation
- 20034707
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 20034707.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted the appellant's claims for service connection for various disabilities, including cervical strain, elbow and knee conditions, radiculopathy of upper and lower extremities, thoracolumbar strain, and GERD. The effective date is set at September 13, 2023.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed because the Board Appeal request was not timely filed with respect to the rating decision issued on October 21, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to non-compliance with previous instructions. The Veteran's thoracolumbar strain and degenerative arthritis, cervical strain, and LLE radiculopathy cases are still pending for higher evaluations.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 50 percent disability rating for the Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar strain, effective from January 24, 2014. The decision is based on evidence of functional equivalent to unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
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