The Board granted increased ratings for the appellant's cervical spine disability and L5-S1 disc bulge with chronic coccydinia, but denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for post traumatic headaches.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the appellant's service-connected cervical spine and L5-S1 conditions warranted increased ratings based on their severity. The appeal for a higher rating for post traumatic headaches was not granted as it did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine fusion, L5-S1 disc bulge with chronic coccydinia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 20, 2009
- Citation
- 0914655
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 0914655.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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 PTSD is rated at a non-initial disability rating of 70 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's cervical spine fusion remains rated at a non-initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board found that the Veteran's diagnosed disabilities, including multiple myeloma and diabetes mellitus type II, are not related to an undiagnosed illness or a Gulf War syndrome. The VA examiner concluded that these conditions have known etiologies unrelated to service.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for an increased rating of cervical spine fusion. The Veteran's left and right upper extremity disabilities, rated at 20 percent each, are now granted with ratings of 30 percent (left) and 40 percent (right), respectively.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's current cervical spine disability, including degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine and spinal fusion, is related to his in-service injury. The claim for service connection is granted.
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