The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for his cervical and thoracic spine disabilities, as well as a separate evaluation for left upper radicular nerve group paralysis, were denied. The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not demonstrate findings sufficient to warrant an increase in disability ratings for any of the conditions listed.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spondylosis with degenerative disc disease, Thoracic spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 8, 2014
- Citation
- 1435507
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 1435507.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's service-connected thoracic spine strain was granted a rating of 20 percent for the period prior to January 29, 2024, but denied a higher rating from that date. The claims for service connection for lumbosacral and sciatic nerve disorders were remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's thoracic spine strain with degenerative arthritis is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has remanded this issue.,The Veteran's right knee patellofemoral syndrome is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board has also remanded this issue. The Board has also remanded claims for service connection for left knee disability and neck disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's thoracic spine disability is granted a 20 percent rating, but no higher. The ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are denied. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for the post-meniscectomy condition of the left knee.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that additional development is necessary for the Veteran's claims of cervical spine arthritis and thoracic spine strain, both claimed as secondary to his service-connected DJD of the lumbar spine. The Board has ordered remand with instructions to obtain an addendum medical opinion from a VA physician.
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