The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied as her conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine limitation of motion was found to be moderate, with no incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician and treatment by a physician in the past 12 months. No neural compression, nerve root abnormality, or radiculopathy associated with the cervical spine were noted.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar strain, DDD of the cervical spine, minimal degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, post-concussive syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 30, 2011
- Citation
- 1136868
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 1136868.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for right lower extremity radiculopathy and a rating in excess of 10 percent for chronic lumbar strain. The claims for migraines and Meniere's disease are remanded.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has readjudicated the claim for service connection for chronic lumbar strain due to new evidence submitted after the prior final denial. However, it was determined that the Veteran's current condition is not related to service because his actions leading to the injury were considered willful misconduct.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for mini strokes is being remanded due to a duty to assist error. The Board requests an addendum opinion to address the etiology of his mini strokes, including his in-service motor vehicle accidents and post-accident diagnoses.
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