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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for dorsal spine DJD with chronic pain syndrome was granted at 20 percent prior to January 14, 2020 and denied thereafter. The Board also found that the Veteran is entitled to TDIU from June 11, 2013 to August 15, 2016 and from November 1, 2016.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's dorsal spine DJD with chronic pain syndrome was rated at 20 percent prior to January 14, 2020 based on her forward flexion being greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees. The Board denied a higher rating as the criteria for a 40 percent rating (forward flexion of 30 degrees or less) were not met.

Claimed conditions
dorsal spine DJD with chronic pain syndrome
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
May 27, 2020
Citation
20036204

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 20036204.

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.

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