The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine, but denied any increase in ratings beyond the initial 10 percent assigned. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent since September 18, 1997, while his thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent effective January 24, 2006.
The deciding factor: The RO initially granted service connection for the Veteran's cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities in October 2005. The Board affirmed these decisions but remanded to develop evidence related to increased ratings. After development, the RO assigned initial 20 percent ratings effective September 18, 1997 (cervical spine) and January 24, 2006 (thoracolumbar spine).
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 14, 2010
- Citation
- 1021991
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1021991.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was granted with effective dates of May 13, 2019.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed as a matter of law due to a full grant of benefits. The appeals for left knee and left ankle disabilities are remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ is directed to obtain an addendum medical opinion that addresses the extent of flareups experienced by the Veteran.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disability and associated radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves are granted with effective dates from June 30, 2010. A 40% rating is assigned for the lumbar disability.
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