The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating remains appropriate given the lack of evidence demonstrating forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire spine, or incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS).
The deciding factor: The objective findings did not demonstrate forward flexion between 15 and 30 degrees, combined range of motion not greater than 170 degrees, muscle spasm or guarding, or incapacitating episodes of IVDS.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 28, 2022
- Citation
- 22004832
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 22004832.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claimed disabilities of right and left knee, right and left foot, and thoracolumbar spine are not service-connected as they were not shown to be incurred or aggravated during his military service.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal of the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU) as it was fully addressed in a previous decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased disability rating for thoracolumbar spine, service connection for right knee disability, and entitlement to TDIU prior to October 27, 2022 are all remanded due to the need for additional medical examinations and evaluations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to insufficient examination reports and lack of etiological opinions. The Veteran's complaints of low back pain, left knee arthritis, and cervical spine DDD are being reviewed again.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.