The Veteran's low back and cervical spine conditions have not met the criteria for a higher rating, as there is no evidence of forward flexion of the thoracolumbar or cervical spine to 30 degrees or less, nor has there been ankylosis. The Veteran reported flare-ups but did not demonstrate additional limitation of motion during these episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion was within normal limits and no incapacitating episodes were noted, which precludes a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Condition, Degenerative Joint Disease of the Cervical Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 6, 2018
- Citation
- 1807695
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 1807695.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim of service connection for GERD has been readjudicated due to the submission of relevant new evidence.,The Veteran's claims of service connection for bilateral eye condition, headaches, low back condition, lung cancer, and Parkinson's disease with tremors have also been readjudicated due to the submission of relevant new evidence.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal for an initial compensable rating for bilateral hearing loss. Service connection is granted for TMJ disorder and low back condition, but service connection for dental injury top left rear teeth remains remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings on several service-connected conditions have been remanded by the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The initial rating for PTSD remains at 50 percent, and the initial rating for right ulnar nerve neuropathy remains at 10 percent. The low back condition, right thigh impairment, and right hip strain are all being remanded for further review.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a right shoulder condition and a low back condition, but denied service connection for a traumatic brain injury.
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