The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for low back disability was denied, and the Board granted a TDIU from June 29, 2017.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities more nearly approximated forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- minimal flattening of the disc at L4-L5 with minimal left neuroforaminal narrowing (low back disability), duodenal ulcer, adjustment disorder with depressed mood, residuals of fracture of right ankle, trochanteric pain syndrome left and right hip, lateral collateral ligament sprain of the left ankle, right superficial peroneal neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 5, 2024
- Citation
- 24010669
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 24010669.
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.
- Granted
This decision grants service connection for erectile dysfunction and assigns a noncompensable rating, effective November 6, 2020. The Veteran's adjustment disorder with depressed mood is granted as service-connected, also effective November 6, 2020. An effective date prior to November 6, 2020, is denied for the award of service connection for GERD and right lower extremity radiculopathy.,An effective date prior to November 6, 2020, is denied for the award of service connection for GERD and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's death was due to his service-connected adjustment disorder with depressed mood, which contributed substantially or materially to his death. Therefore, service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's initial compensable rating for adjustment disorder with depressed mood is denied, and the claim for service connection for a bilateral foot condition is remanded due to lack of a VA examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim of entitlement to service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including anxiety and depression due to insufficient evidence regarding its etiology.
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