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Whole decision: Denied

The Veteran's initial staged rating for thoracolumbar spondylosis with foraminal disc protrusion/stenosis, strain post laminectomy was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for allergic rhinitis was also denied due to lack of evidence showing greater than 50 percent obstruction on both sides or complete obstruction on one side.

The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show the Veteran’s thoracolumbar spondylosis with foraminal disc protrusion/stenosis, strain post laminectomy meeting the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5237 (lumbosacral or cervical strain).

Claimed conditions
Thoracolumbar spondylosis with foraminal disc protrusion/stenosis, Strain post laminectomy
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating
Not verified here — check the original decision
Decision date
August 27, 2020
Citation
20056689

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 20056689.

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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