The Veteran's appeal for an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for his service-connected back disabilities is denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of unfavorable ankylosis, intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes, or other manifestations required for higher ratings.
The deciding factor: The most probative and persuasive evidence does not reflect that the Veteran's service-connected back disabilities have manifested by compensable neurologic impairment, bowel impairment, bladder impairment, unfavorable ankylosis (favorable or actual) of the thoracolumbar spine, unfavorable ankylosis (actual or functional) of the entire spine (cervical and thoracolumbar segments), or intervertebral disc syndrome with evidence of disc herniation with compression and/or irritation of the adjacent nerve root.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 24, 2023
- Citation
- 23011712
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 23011712.
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 remands the claim for a new examination to properly evaluate the Veteran's service-connected bilateral plantar fasciitis and spondylitis, including ankylosing spondylitis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that a new VA examination is necessary to determine the current severity of the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spondylosis, spondylitis, and stenosis. The case is being remanded for this purpose.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal is being remanded to obtain additional VA and private treatment records, schedule an examination for the acquired psychiatric disorder, and provide a medical opinion regarding any sleep disorder. The dependent benefits claim for FM, GM, and LMM will also be addressed.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current back disorder, including costovertebral syndrome and spondylitis, is at least as likely as not related to her in-service motor vehicle accident. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.
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