The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings for her low back strain, cervical spine strain, right ankle strain, and left ankle strain were denied. The current disability ratings of 20 percent for the low back strain and 10 percent each for the cervical spine, right ankle, and left ankle strains are maintained.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's ankle and cervical spine disabilities do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The evidence does not show marked limitation of motion in her ankles or cervical spine, nor is there ankylosis present. The current disability ratings adequately reflect the severity and symptomatology of the Veteran's service-connected conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative disc disease of the thoracolumbar spine, Cervical spine strain, Right ankle strain, Left ankle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 12, 2011
- Citation
- 1114314
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 1114314.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck disorder, as it is insufficiently addressed in the previous decision. The case will be sent back for an addendum opinion.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for a cervical spine disability, right ankle strain, and mild right foot retrocalcaneal spur as there is no evidence of an in-service injury or disease that could be linked to the current disabilities.
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