The Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine disability has been granted a 20 percent rating for the entire period on appeal, with symptoms more nearly approximating forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but less than 60 degrees.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's back disability resulted in an inability to work due to limitations in lifting and standing for a duration of his shift, with pain during sitting, standing, bending, walking, and climbing hills. The range of motion testing showed forward flexion to 60 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Thoracic Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 10, 2021
- Citation
- 21028112
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 21028112.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for various shoulder and back conditions have been dismissed due to the withdrawal of his claims.,His low back disability is rated at 40 percent, with symptoms approximating favorable ankylosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has corrected the effective date of an initial 40 percent rating for degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine from March 14, 2007. The issue of a higher initial rating remains on appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's back disability, specifically degenerative joint disease of the thoracic spine with mid-thoracic kyphosis, has been granted a 40 percent rating since October 28, 2016.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected back disability has not manifested to unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, thus preventing a higher rating.
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