The Veteran's increased rating for thoracic strain with lumbar spondylosis is granted, as his disability picture more nearly approximates the criteria for a 40 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examination results showed that the Veteran had forward flexion to 50 degrees and did not conduct the exam during flare-ups or test for additional functional loss with repetitive use over time, warranting a 40 percent rating throughout the appeal.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracic strain, Lumbar spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21013895
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 21013895.
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.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as there is no evidence that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, cervical strain, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to her now service-connected back disability. The decision is based on credible statements of the Veteran regarding continuous symptoms since service and medical opinions supporting a nexus between current disabilities and service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.
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