The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his thoracolumbar spine disability was denied. The RO granted a 20 percent rating effective October 7, 2013.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 31, 2022
- Citation
- 22049400
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 22049400.
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 Board has determined that the August 2023 VA contract examiner's opinion is inadequate and remands the case for a new examination to address the Veteran's lay statements of onset during service and continuity of symptomatology.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to determine the current level of severity of the Veteran's disabilities.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative changes of the thoracolumbar spine and cervical spine disability, finding that these conditions began during active service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the Veteran's claims, including obtaining medical records and scheduling examinations. The issues of rating cervical spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, skin disability due to chemical exposure, left hip disability, and TDIU are being remanded.
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