The Veteran's cervical spine and lumbar spine disabilities have not resulted in any incapacitating episodes, so they are evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence does not support a higher rating as her range of motion has been stable throughout the appeal period.,For left lower extremity radiculopathy, the Veteran is already service-connected and no separate ratings are warranted due to lack of associated neurologic abnormalities in other extremities.
The deciding factor: The criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula have not been met as there were no incapacitating episodes or unfavorable ankylosis. The Veteran's range of motion has remained stable throughout the appeal period, with no evidence of loss due to pain or functional loss.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Disability, Lumbar Spine Disability, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 30, 2015
- Citation
- 1532633
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1532633.
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: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 30 percent disability rating since November 29, 2021.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, without considering the ameliorative effects of any medication he uses.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for TMD, cervical spine disability, and FSAD have been denied.,An earlier effective date prior to August 2, 2022, for the award of service connection for these conditions has also been denied.
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