Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Granted

The Board found that the Veteran's cervical spine disability did not manifest during or as a result of active military service, and denied his claim for service connection. For his lumbar spine degenerative disease, the Board determined that the evidence supported a rating in excess of 20 percent.

The deciding factor: The VA examinations and treatment records provided sufficient evidence to determine that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was not incurred or aggravated by military service, while his lumbar spine degenerative disease met the criteria for a higher rating based on its severity.

Claimed conditions
cervical spine disability, lumbar spine degenerative disease
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
April 29, 2016
Citation
1617270

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 1617270.

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.

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.