The appellant's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities have been rated based on their severity, with the highest possible rating for each condition. The total disability rating is effective from February 18, 2009.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the appellant's cervical and lumbar spine conditions are manifested by severe pain, limited range of motion, muscle spasm, guarding, and abnormal gait or spinal contour, which more nearly approximates favorable ankylosis. The combined disability rating is also considered in determining the appropriate ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of C4-5 with some anterior spurring; moderate to marked central spinal canal stenosis at C4-5 and C5-6; C6-7 posterior concentric bulging disc and small central extrusion; and T1-2 small central disc extrusion, Degenerative changes of L5 with narrowing of the disc space at L4-S1
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 26, 2017
- Citation
- 1702217
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 1702217.
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
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