The Veteran's IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine is now rated at 40 percent, effective June 30, 2020. The right ankle disorder has been restored to a 10 percent rating from June 22, 2016.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine met the criteria for a higher disability rating beginning June 30, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- IVDS of the thoracolumbar spine, rheumatoid arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, radiculopathy of the lower right extremity, rheumatoid arthritis of the lower right extremity, rheumatoid arthritis of the lower left extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20081408
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted readjudication of the claims for service connection based on new and relevant evidence, but remanded several issues for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand several claims, including those for increased ratings and service connection. The Veteran needs new VA examinations due to worsening symptoms.
- Granted
The Board has granted a higher rating of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, while other issues remain pending and are remanded.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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