The VA has denied the appellant's claims for increased ratings and effective dates related to his lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, cervical spondylosis with degenerative osteoarthritis and disc disease, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The VA found that none of these conditions have significantly changed since the last rating decision.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the appellant's lumbar spine disability does not warrant a higher than 40 percent evaluation due to lack of significant change in his condition, and the cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent from March 14, 2005. The left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated at 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, Cervical spondylosis with degenerative osteoarthritis and disc disease, Left lower extremity radiculopathy related to lumbar spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 29, 2008
- Citation
- 0806980
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 0806980.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, cervical strain, lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremities, have prevented him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation prior to May 29, 2013. The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on an extraschedular basis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's bladder disorder is related to his service-connected lumbar spondylosis with degenerative disc disease. The VA examiner needs to provide a clear opinion on causation and aggravation.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for GERD prior to March 9, 2017 was granted. From March 9, 2017 onwards, the claim was denied as his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a 60% rating under Diagnostic Code 7346.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim of entitlement to service connection for a discrepancy in the length of his lower extremities, including as secondary to a service-connected disability, has been denied. The Board found that there was no evidence of chronic symptomatology related to his leg length discrepancy during or after service and concluded that the Veteran did not have a current disability resulting from an injury sustained in service.
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.