The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for his DDD of the thoracolumbar spine was denied. The Board found that there is no evidence showing flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, which would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability did not result in limitation of motion sufficient to warrant a higher rating as per VA regulations and examination findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2021
- Citation
- 21015435
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 21015435.
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 Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examiner's opinion regarding whether his service-connected disabilities result in loss of use and if so, whether he requires aid and attendance without considering such disability/ies. The Veteran also needs to be considered for SMC R1 based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied entitlement to increased ratings for the Veteran's low back disability, left ankle disability, and lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as a TDIU.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for an initial rating in excess of 40 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the thoracolumbar spine, as there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied an increased rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine prior to December 21, 2023, and in excess of 40 percent from December 21, 2023.
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