The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and cervical spine are currently rated at 20 percent, which is denied as not meeting criteria for a higher rating. The left lower extremity radiculopathy is also rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 50 degrees and no ankylosis, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5243. The cervical spine disability also meets the criteria for a 30 percent rating based on forward flexion of less than 15 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 20, 2026
- Citation
- A26015505
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 A26015505.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted higher initial ratings for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, as well as an earlier effective date for service connection.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lower back disability, sciatic nerve radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and internal and external cutaneous nerve radiculopathies. However, it granted restoration of a 40 percent rating for sciatic nerve radiculopathy in both lower extremities from April 1, 2020, and awarded TDIU effective February 1, 2019.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on functional loss or incapacitating episodes.
- Denied
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