The Veteran's claims for increased ratings of his service-connected DJD and spinal stenosis of the back, as well as a TDIU due to service-connected disabilities, were denied. The Veteran was not shown to have ankylosis or unfavorable ankylosis at any point during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran had limitation of forward flexion of his thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, which is required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (General Rating Formula).
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) of the thoracolumbar spine, Spinal Stenosis of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22005469
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 22005469.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his DJD of the thoracolumbar spine is being remanded due to a need for additional medical opinion regarding the functional impairment associated with his condition, without considering the beneficial effects of medication.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher rating for DJD of the right hip with limitation of rotation and adduction, and higher ratings for DJD of the thoracolumbar spine.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and SMC are being remanded due to the need for additional evidence, particularly private treatment records from 2006 to 2017.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude her from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with her education and work experience prior to October 9, 2019.
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.