The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for cervical spine disability and a 10 percent evaluation for lumbosacral strain, effective from June 9, 2002. The veteran's cervical spine disability was initially characterized as cervical strain but is now rated based on the criteria for severe limitation of motion.
The deciding factor: The most recent evidence shows moderate limitation of cervical spine motion with MRI findings of cervical spine stenosis and a bulging disc at C6-C7, which warrants a 20 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5293 (for intervertebral disc syndrome). The lumbosacral strain has been rated based on the criteria for severe limitation of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine strain, Lumbosacral strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 8, 2003
- Citation
- 0308778
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 0308778.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claims for additional VA examinations to properly evaluate the current severity of her disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The appeal for service connection for lumbosacral strain was dismissed, and the claims for service connection for a right shoulder disability, cervical radiculopathy (left and right) were remanded for further development.
- Dismissed
The appeal is dismissed due to res judicata, as the issues were previously adjudicated and are now barred from further review.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to untimely filing of the Notice of Disagreement (NOD) for claims related to an increased rating and service connection, as well as lack of jurisdiction over a previously granted claim for sinusitis.
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