The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine, ganglioneuroma, and lumbar strain is denied as he does not have unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion was found to be limited but did not meet the criteria for unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine, Lumbar strain (previously rated as left thoracic spine strain), Ganglioneuroma
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 23, 2022
- Citation
- 22010459
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 22010459.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
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The Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were granted a 20 percent rating effective from January 21, 2020. The disability ratings are subject to the criteria for diseases and injuries of the spine.
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The Veteran is granted a rating of 70 percent for an acquired psychiatric disorder (social phobia and PTSD) from May 29, 2013 to February 4, 2017.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for the same condition was denied as of February 4, 2017.,TDIU is granted from May 29, 2013 to May 21, 2015.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40% since the beginning of the appeal period, and he received separate ratings for loss of use of both feet and special monthly compensation due to his service-connected disabilities. The rating for radiculopathy affecting the left and right lower extremities was granted no more than 40%, effective August 2, 2016.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 30 percent for the veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracic and lumbar spine, effective from September 8, 2001.
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