The Veteran's initial rating for thoracolumbar spine disability was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to August 29, 2009.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for thoracolumbar spine disability since August 29, 2009 was also denied due to lack of evidence meeting the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees or less than 60 degrees combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, nor muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or spinal contour such as scoliosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine disability, Right knee patellar tendonitis, Degenerative changes in right knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22043961
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 22043961.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection and increased rating of his cervical spine, thoracolumbar spine, left shoulder, right shoulder, upper extremity neurological, and lower extremity neurological disabilities due to inadequate VA medical examinations in March 2019 and January-May 2016. The new examinations must consider the Veteran's reported onset dates for his symptoms.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted based on the evidence provided.
- Denied
The Veteran's right knee disability causes painful motion but does not show compensable limitation of motion on flexion. The claim for a higher rating is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for thoracolumbar spine disability and left hip disability due to inadequate medical opinions in the original decision. The claims will be reconsidered with new medical opinions.
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