The VA denied the Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for lumbosacral spine DDD and cervical spondylosis, finding that his conditions did not warrant a rating in excess of 10%.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the Veteran's lumbosacral spine DDD and cervical spondylosis were manifested by pain but without objective findings of severe enough muscle spasm or abnormal gait/spinal contour to meet the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), cervical spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 6, 2010
- Citation
- 1016821
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 1016821.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral foot disability, knee disability, ankle disability, cervical degenerative disc disease, spondylosis, and cervicalgia, secondary to a service-connected lumbar strain, as well as GERD. The claims of readjudication were also granted.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the claims for increased ratings and denied a compensable rating for right shoulder scars, while remanding several other issues including service connection for a right hand disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for right and left shoulder disorders, cervical spine disorder, and a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral spine degenerative disc disease.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for cervical spondylosis, left knee degenerative arthritis, and migraines to VA for an adequate examination and medical opinion.
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.