Throughout the rating period on appeal, the Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities have not met the criteria for a higher evaluation under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected cervical and lumbosacral spine disabilities have been evaluated as 20 percent disabling throughout the rating period. The evidence does not support a finding of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with neural foraminal narrowing and arthritis of the cervical spine, Degenerative joint disease with neural foraminal narrowing epidural lipomatosis and dural sac vacuum phenomenon, disc protrusion and spondylosis of the lumbosacral spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 21, 2017
- Citation
- 1734129
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1734129.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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