The Veteran's back disability, including thoracic kyphosis and intervertebral disc syndrome, has not met the criteria for a higher rating of more than 20 percent since April 5, 2011.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran’s forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine was at or below 30 degrees, nor did he experience incapacitating episodes with a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months.
- Claimed conditions
- Back Disability, Thoracic Kyphosis, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 22, 2020
- Citation
- 20049017
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 20049017.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of representation.
- Remanded (sent back)
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- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for service connection of a left knee disability, back disability, and left elbow disability must be remanded due to inadequate VA examinations. The Veteran provided lay reports of symptoms but the VA examiners did not consider these reports in their conclusions.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial evaluation for cervical spine disability remains at 10 percent, as his symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.
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