The Veteran's service-connected cervical and thoracic/lumbar spine disabilities have been rated at the lowest possible level (10%) since their effective dates, as they do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on current symptomatology.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s range of motion and symptoms are consistent with a 10% disability rating under DC 5237, which is applicable to degenerative disc disease of the spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of cervical spine, Degenerative disc disease of thoracic and lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 17, 2012
- Citation
- 1228489
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 1228489.
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 Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine and left hip disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional examinations to assess current disability levels.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disability, finding that there was no evidence of a direct relationship to service and insufficient evidence linking any current condition to his service-connected left knee disability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for cervical spine, right upper extremity radiculopathy, and lumbar sprain are being remanded due to inadequate examination reports.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for thoracic strain, degenerative disc disease of cervical spine, left ankle strain, and left knee patellar femoral pain syndrome as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.
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