The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher evaluations of his service-connected post-operative fusion at C5-6 with arthritis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, as well as his degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The evaluation for post-operative fusion was maintained at 40 percent from May 19, 1990 to October 7, 1993, and increased to 20 percent from May 19, 1990. The evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with left L2-4 radiculopathy was maintained at 40 percent from October 7, 1993.
The deciding factor: The Board found that the veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating based on his service-connected post-operative fusion and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine. The criteria for a higher evaluation were not met due to lack of persistent symptoms or neurological findings as required by the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- post-operative fusion at C5-6 with arthritis and bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 15, 2002
- Citation
- 0209930
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0209930.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
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