The Board denied a higher rating for the service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and denied service connection for left wrist, right wrist, and right knee disorders.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or limitation of motion to 30 degrees that would warrant a higher rating than currently assigned.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine (low back) disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 16, 2021
- Citation
- 21015209
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21015209.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection and initial rating due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development and readjudication due to his failure to appear at a previously scheduled hearing, incomplete medical records, and other procedural issues.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 20% rating for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy beginning March 31, 2020. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability remains rated at 40%. There is no higher rating available for the low back disability.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied service connection for a right little finger disability and remanded the claims of service connection for pseudofolliculitis barbae, allergic rhinitis, foot fungus (likely athlete's foot), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, thoracolumbar spine (low back) disability, and left shoulder rotator cuff tear with acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis.
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