The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his spine and hand conditions were denied. The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine condition was found to have flexion greater than 60 degrees but not exceeding 85 degrees, without any incapacitating episodes of IVDS. His cervical spine condition had flexion greater than 30 degrees but with mild reversal of the lordosis in the upper cervical spine due to paraspinal muscle spasm. The bilateral pes planus and left wrist neuropathy conditions were found to be noncompensable. The right epididymitis/variocele condition was also found to be noncompensable.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service connection claims for his spine and hand conditions were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable rating schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine, Degenerative disc disease, cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 18, 2010
- Citation
- 1030997
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 1030997.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence for the Veteran's claims of service connection for back and right knee disabilities. The claim for a back disability is granted, while the claim for a right knee disability is remanded due to insufficient rationale in supporting opinions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) and spinal fusion, as well as for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The decision is based on evidence showing that these conditions are at least as likely as not related to incidents during active duty.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine from April 13, 2015 to January 7, 2019.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates of March 21, 2024 for service connection to the Veteran for degenerative disc disease, thoracolumbar spine; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); and radiculopathy, left lower, sciatic.
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