The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine resulted in pain and limited range of motion, but not ankylosis. The VA examiner did not find IVDS or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 21, 2026
- Citation
- A26037155
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 A26037155.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine does not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine, right foot heel spurs, left foot heel spurs, and OSA are all granted. The claim for PTSD is denied as not incurred in or aggravated by service.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective August 16, 2002. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating based on limitation of motion or intervertebral disc syndrome. However, the Veteran was granted TDIU prior to December 14, 2012.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his thoracolumbar spine disability and bilateral hearing loss were denied as there was no evidence of incapacitating episodes or other factors warranting a higher rating.
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