The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating than 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination showed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine most severely limited to 70 degrees, with no other significant findings that would warrant a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- April 29, 2026
- Citation
- A26040329
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 A26040329.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connected thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right upper and lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the left upper and lower extremities are all remanded for further development.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including thoracolumbar and cervical spine conditions, preclude locomotion without the aid of a walker, warranting eligibility for specially adapted housing.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and denied a compensable disability rating for hypertension. Several issues related to increased ratings were remanded.
- Denied
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not show that it meets or approximates the criteria for a higher rating.
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