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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18105988.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete records and procedural issues.
- 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The Veteran has withdrawn his appeals regarding the increased ratings for tension headaches, degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, DDD of the cervical spine, and voiding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.
- 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.,,
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.