The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine herniated disc status post fusion is rated at 20 percent since April 4, 2008. The Board granted a higher initial rating for the cervical spine disability from April 4, 2008 to present.
The deciding factor: The VA examination reports and medical records provided sufficient evidence to support the grant of a higher initial rating for the service-connected cervical spine herniated disc status post fusion.
- Claimed conditions
- Shortness of breath, Right knee degenerative joint disease, Cervical spine herniated disc status post fusion
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 29, 2017
- Citation
- 1724774
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 1724774.
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 right knee disability is granted as service connected, effective August 19, 2009. The Veteran's MDD is rated at 70 percent and his TDIU due to MDD is also granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's right knee disability is currently rated at 10 percent, and the Board finds that a remand is necessary to determine if it warrants a higher evaluation. Additionally, the TDIU claim is inextricably intertwined with the increased rating claim for right knee disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found that the Veteran is in need of personal care services for a minimum of six continuous months due to an inability to perform one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). The PCAFC eligibility process will continue, including consideration of whether the program is in the Veteran's best interest.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, a low back disability, residuals of a right foot injury, sinusitis, shortness of breath, allergic rhinitis, and sleep apnea as there was no evidence to support a link between these conditions and the Veteran's military service.
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