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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 0806625.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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