The Board has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and dorsal spine arthritis, finding that the current disability levels do not warrant a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show severe limitation of motion or ankylosis in either the cervical or dorsal spine, which are required for higher ratings under the old and revised DCs.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine arthritis, dorsal spine arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 28, 2006
- Citation
- 0608906
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for cervical spine arthritis, lumbar spine arthritis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), seizure disorder, and erectile dysfunction has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development, specifically to obtain relevant Social Security Administration records.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for initial increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, bilateral lower extremity femoral radiculopathy, and a scar.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for cervical spine arthritis and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome based on a favorable nexus opinion from the Veteran's treating physician.
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