The reduction from a 60% to a 20% disability rating for service-connected degenerative changes of the midthoracic spine with compression fracture at T8 and 9 with residual demonstrable deformity and myofascial pain syndrome of the cervical and thoracic spine is granted. The severance of service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's intentional misrepresentation of his disability severity to obtain higher VA compensation benefits resulted in fraud, which led to the reduction in rating and the severance of PTSD service connection.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the midthoracic spine with compression fracture at T8 and 9, Myofascial pain syndrome of the cervical and thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Reopened with new and material evidence
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 13, 2023
- Citation
- 23015015
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 23015015.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 reduction in disability rating, severance of service connection for PTSD, and discontinuance of TDIU due to fraud allegations. The Veteran disagrees with these decisions and requests further investigation into the OIG report and his plea agreement.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and providing proper notice regarding secondary service connection.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD was reopened due to the submission of new and material evidence. The appeal is granted as his PTSD is now considered service-connected.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection of a left leg disability is reopened, and the appeal is granted.
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.