The veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine were denied as his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's symptoms, when evaluated under the applicable diagnostic codes, did not meet or exceed the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 5, 2008
- Citation
- 0804128
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 0804128.
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 Veteran's appeals for a higher rating, compensable rating, and extension of temporary total evaluation for his lumbar spine disability have been dismissed due to the Veteran withdrawing all claims in April 2022.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service-connected. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and associated radiculopathy, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a total rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) effective October 23, 2024.
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