The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability was denied as the evidence did not show that he met the criteria for a compensable or higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show findings consistent with ratings in excess of those assigned, and the Veteran's range of motion remained within normal limits even when considering pain and repetitive use.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20069066
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the motions for revision of the July 2015 rating decision on the basis of clear and unmistakable error (CUE) to assign higher disability ratings for cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, right shoulder, and right elbow disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD; left knee disability; right knee disability; thoracolumbar spine disability; sleep apnea; and left foot disability. The claims for fibromyalgia and a compensable rating for hearing loss were denied.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to higher ratings for persistent depressive disorder, cervical spine disability, and thoracolumbar spine disability.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a psychiatric disability, as the weight of evidence supported that it had its onset during a period of service adjudicated dishonorable for VA purposes and there was no continuity of symptomatology to the present.
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