The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative joint disease of the cervical and lumbar spines have been denied as his symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s range of motion in both cervical and lumbar spine was consistently within normal limits, with no limitation to 30 degrees or less required for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of Cervical Spine, Degenerative Joint Disease of Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18134651
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 18134651.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and left leg radiculopathy have been granted a 40 percent rating. However, his right leg radiculopathy and left leg radiculopathy are remanded for further review.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and lumbar spine conditions, have rendered him permanently housebound since April 7, 2018. The Board has granted an effective date of April 7, 2018 for SMC based on his housebound status.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for clarification regarding whether his symptoms manifest as unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or the entire spine, and when these symptoms manifested.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities are each rated at 20 percent, but the Board found they do not warrant higher ratings based on the criteria provided.
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