The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative changes have been rated at 10 percent since October 1, 2009. The VA examiner found full range of motion and no additional limitation due to pain or fatigue.,For the thoracic scoliosis and DDD, the Veteran has a combined ROM of 240 degrees, which is below the threshold for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5242 (degenerative arthritis of the spine). The examiner did not find any additional limitation due to pain or fatigue.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion and functional impairment do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical degenerative changes, Thoracic scoliosis and DDD (degenerative disc disease)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 17, 2016
- Citation
- 1610940
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 1610940.
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).
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