The Veteran's initial increased ratings for lumbosacral facet arthritis with thoracolumbar DDD and cervical spine DDD have been denied as her conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lumbar and cervical spine disabilities did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar or cervical spine at 30 degrees or less, combined range of motion (ROM) greater than 120 degrees for the thoracolumbar spine, or ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral facet arthritis with thoracolumbar DDD, DDD of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 30, 2018
- Citation
- 18105988
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 18105988.
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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings was continuously pursued, and the appellant is eligible to charge agent fees based on past-due benefits awarded in the June 2024 rating decision.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and procedural issues.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased ratings for tension headaches, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, DDD of the cervical spine, and voiding dysfunction.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
Service connection is granted for rheumatoid arthritis of the joints.,Service connection is granted for early onset peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to in-service herbicide exposure.,Service connection is granted for DDD of the cervical spine.,The claim for a higher rating for DDD of the lumbar spine is remanded.,The claims for service connection for neurological disorders of the right and left upper extremities are remanded.,The claims for service connection for difficulty breathing and extreme tiredness are remanded.,,
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