The Veteran's initial increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities are granted, with the cervical spine rated at 20% effective November 18, 2013, and the thoracolumbar spine rated at 40%. The rating is based on the current functional limitations of the spinal joints.
The deciding factor: The VA medical examinations provided evidence that supported a higher disability rating for both cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities due to their current functional limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- strain of the cervical spine, strain of the thoracolumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 12, 2015
- Citation
- 1510452
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 1510452.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the veteran's claims for service connection of low back disability and right knee degenerative arthritis due to insufficient evidence. The veteran will have additional opportunities to submit evidence.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection of spinal stenosis and strain of the cervical spine was granted with an effective date of February 3, 2021. The Board denied a request for an earlier effective date as there was no prior submission of a formal or informal service connection claim.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeals regarding service connection for various conditions and initial disability ratings, as the Veteran withdrew his appeal in its entirety prior to a decision being made.
- Granted
The Veteran's spondylosis, degenerative disc disease, and strain of the cervical spine are found to be related to service. Service connection is granted.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.