The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine is currently rated at 40 percent, effective February 28, 2007. His cervical strain with degenerative arthritis is rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records supported a finding that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet criteria for an increased rating beyond 40 percent due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. His cervical strain with degenerative arthritis met criteria for a 20 percent rating based on muscle spasms resulting in abnormal gait.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine, Cervical strain with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2014
- Citation
- 1448520
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 1448520.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 and lumbar spine disorders, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left ankle and lumbosacral spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher disability ratings under applicable VA rating criteria.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is rated at a 40 percent evaluation, effective from the date of the May 2013 rating decision.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU as his service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from obtaining or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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