The veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not show any additional limitation of motion or neurological abnormalities warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed no significant limitations in range of motion, muscle spasm, or neurological deficits that would support an increase to a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease of the cervical spine, Degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 27, 2008
- Citation
- 0806625
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 0806625.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc and joint disease of the thoracolumbar spine was denied, as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Veteran's TDIU claim was also denied due to lack of evidence showing he is unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits was denied because she did not have an employment handicap and was able to obtain suitable employment consistent with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the VA to attempt to obtain medical records from Dr. Choi at Garden Way, as requested in his November 2021 VA examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for cervical spine disability, finding that the reduction from 20 to 10 percent was improper due to insufficient evidence of material improvement under the ordinary conditions of life.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.