The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have been rated based on their direct effects, with a rating of 20 percent for the cervical spine disability. The other conditions are not rated separately as they are considered part of the overall cervical spine disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent under Diagnostic Code 5237 due to limitation of motion, with forward flexion greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees. The other conditions do not warrant separate ratings as they are considered part of the overall cervical spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine, Left ankle disability (status post fracture of the distal tibia), Right knee disability (status post fracture of the right femur with shortening of the right lower extremity), Laxity of the right anterior cruciate ligament, Lumbosacral strain, Right hip tendonitis, Deep, right femoral hernia scar, Left knee bursitis and chondrocalcinosis, Laxity of left posterior cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 10, 2016
- Citation
- 1643199
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 1643199.
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 has remanded the claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for the lumbar spine disability prior to October 11, 2022 and since December 1, 2022. The Veteran's claim is currently rated at 10 percent under Diagnostic Code 5242.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's low back disability, diagnosed as degenerative arthritis and a lumbosacral strain, is at least as likely as not related to his active service. As such, the claim for service connection is granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a deficiency in the April 2024 VA medical examination, specifically regarding passive range of motion testing for pain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinion regarding service connection for degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine is incomplete and requires further clarification. The case is being remanded to obtain an addendum opinion addressing whether the Veteran's current condition is related to his military service, including two claimed inservice collision injuries.
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