The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for various service-connected conditions have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating at any time from February 22, 2014.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) lasting at least 6 weeks during the past 12 months to warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar strain, spondylosis T11, T12, mild anterior compression, T12 with IVDS, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right knee strain, left knee strain, left ankle lateral and deltoid ligament sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2020
- Citation
- 20069487
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for left knee strain, right knee strain, right wrist strain, and TBI. The Veteran's PTSD rating was remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is remanded to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors, including the failure to obtain relevant treatment records and provide adequate VA examinations.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA, but denied increased ratings for various service-connected conditions.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a rating greater than 10 percent for thoracolumbar strain, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.