The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for the Veteran's service-connected disc protrusion of the thoracic spine, as the evidence did not demonstrate forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The degree of additional limitation reflected by the record would not result in limitation of motion more nearly approximating flexion limited to 30 degrees or ankylosis. There were no incapacitating episodes as defined by Note (1) of the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Disc protrusion of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 15, 2025
- Citation
- 25005043
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
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