The Veteran's claim for an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease was denied as the evidence did not show that his range of motion met the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease resulted in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees, which does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating as per VA regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 21, 2021
- Citation
- 21003217
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 21003217.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for the cause of his death, finding that his service-connected disabilities did not contribute to or cause his accidental fall from a tree.
- Granted
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease has been granted increased ratings of 40 percent from January 31, 2012 through September 16, 2012 and since January 6, 2020. The rating remains denied for the period October 1, 2013 through January 5, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities are each rated at 10 percent, the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran is entitled to a TDIU rating due to his service-connected disabilities, considering his education and occupational background.
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