The Veteran's initial ratings for cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were granted, with a 20% rating assigned for the cervical spine from March 1, 2007 to January 9, 2013. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was rated at 20% from March 1, 2007 to January 9, 2013 and then increased to 40% from January 10, 2013 to June 8, 2017.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion for both cervical and lumbar spine was reduced by more than 50%, meeting the criteria for a 20% rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran also experienced muscle spasms requiring medication and bed rest, which were considered in determining his disability level.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 1, 2017
- Citation
- 1755326
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 1755326.
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 service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and physical conditions like arthritis and back pain, rendered him unable to work as a mechanic starting February 5, 2020. The Board granted an earlier effective date of February 5, 2020 for his total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine has been rated at 10 percent since December 18, 2009. The initial ratings for both conditions have not exceeded this level.
- Denied
The Veteran's current back disability is not related to his active duty service.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the appellant's degenerative disc disease of the cervical and lumbar spine, as well as thoraco-lumbar dextrascoliosis, are residuals of a motor vehicle accident during service. The appeal is granted.
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