The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis was granted a 40 percent rating from September 17, 2019 to July 25, 2022. The right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy were each granted a 20 percent rating effective August 27, 2020.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis was manifested by forward flexion of less than 30 degrees during flare-ups and resulted in functional equivalent of ankylosis. The right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy were each rated as moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar Spine Degenerative Arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 9, 2023
- Citation
- 23044380
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 23044380.
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and tinnitus. The claims for increased ratings for right shoulder degenerative arthritis, thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative joint disease, and right knee degenerative arthritis were denied. An effective date of April 23, 2021, was granted for the award of a 100 percent evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(o) and (r)(1) as of September 28, 2021 due to service-connected disabilities resulting in need for regular aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain and thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his active duty service.
- Granted
The Veteran's mental disorder, claimed as PTSD and an unspecified anxiety disorder, was caused by service. Service connection is granted for this condition.
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.