The Veteran's cervical spine DJD was initially evaluated at 20 percent prior to December 29, 2011. From December 29, 2011 to December 17, 2014, the evaluation was increased to 20 percent. Since December 17, 2014, a higher evaluation of 40 percent for lumbar strain with DJD is warranted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine DJD resulted in limitation of motion to 30 degrees prior to December 29, 2011 and from December 29, 2011 to December 17, 2014. Since then, the disability has been manifested by a combination of pain and functional impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2016
- Citation
- 1600246
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 1600246.
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 Veteran's cervical spine DJD and lumbar strain have been granted initial compensable ratings. The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, sciatic nerve; right lower extremity, femoral nerve; and left lower extremity, sciatic nerve have also been granted initial compensable ratings.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has ordered a remand due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA and private treatment records and arranging for an orthopedic examination.
- Denied
The Board finds that the Veteran does not have a cervical spine disability that is due to disease or injury in service, or caused or aggravated by a service-connected disease or injury. Therefore, the claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability is denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims were granted, with increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities. The initial ratings assigned are within the range of disability severity as determined by VA rating criteria.
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