The Veteran's service-connected lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are currently rated at 20 percent each, but do not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or IVDS.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative joint disease does not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor does it cause favorable ankylosis. The cervical spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to forward flexion of 15 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of Lumbar Spine, Degenerative Joint Disease of Cervical Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 10, 2015
- Citation
- 1506082
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 1506082.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and left leg radiculopathy have been granted a 40 percent rating. However, his right leg radiculopathy and left leg radiculopathy are remanded for further review.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lumbar spine conditions, have rendered him permanently housebound since April 7, 2018. The Board has granted an effective date of April 7, 2018 for SMC based on his housebound status.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification regarding whether his symptoms manifest as unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine, and when these symptoms manifested.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are each rated at 20 percent, but the Board found they do not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria provided.
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