The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date and increased rating for his service-connected thoracic spine disability, finding that the correct effective dates are March 14, 2008, and that a 20% rating is appropriate.
The deciding factor: The effective dates were determined based on when the Veteran submitted his application to reopen his claim, while the increased rating was denied as there was no evidence of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc protrusion L4-5 and prolapse L5-S1 with degenerative changes of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 4, 2020
- Citation
- 20038251
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 20038251.
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).
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