The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine disability were denied. Prior to December 20, 2017, the rating was denied as his condition did not meet criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating. From December 20, 2017, the claim was also denied as he did not meet criteria for a higher than 50 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability did not result in ankylosis of the entire spine or incapacitating episodes with total duration of at least 6 weeks during a 12-month period. His range of motion and functional loss were within the criteria for a 20 percent and 50 percent rating, respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic Degenerative Joint Disease (TDJD), Thoracic DDD, Thoracic IVDS
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21000059
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 21000059.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that new and material evidence has been received to reopen the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical and thoracic DDD, as well as a skin disorder. The Veteran's current diagnoses of cervical and thoracic DDD are supported by medical records, including VA examinations and x-rays from his military service. The Board finds that these conditions are etiologically related to his military service.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
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