The Veteran's low back disability was granted a 40 percent rating, and TDIU based on the low back disability process alone was also granted from September 19, 2008.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the Veteran's low back disability warranted a 40 percent rating due to forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine limited to 30 degrees or less and the impact on his ability to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

Claimed conditions

thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint and disc disease

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

October 21, 2025

Citation

25013127

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine