The Veteran's thoracolumbar spondylosis is rated at 20 percent prior to September 16, 2019. The Board finds the evidence does not support a higher rating due to functional loss and pain.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion of the lumbar spine was found to be between 40 and 50 degrees at times during flare-ups, which is less than or equal to 30 degrees, thus not meeting the criteria for an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 8, 2023
- Citation
- 23021643
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23021643.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for higher ratings for her cervical spine spondylosis and thoracolumbar spondylosis, finding that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating higher than 20 percent.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spondylosis is granted a 40 percent rating as of April 14, 2021. The ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies are denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent disabling since April 12, 2021. The left bicep disability is rated at 20 percent disabling since July 1, 2020. Both ratings are denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, finding that his current condition is related to his in-service injury during paratrooper training.
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