The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine is rated at 20 percent prior to April 11, 2018 and denied for higher ratings thereafter. Right lower extremity radiculopathy is separately rated at 10 percent. PTSD with parasomnia remains rated at 70 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the spine did not meet criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in ankylosis or limitation of motion to less than 30 degrees, and IVDS was not demonstrated.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 19, 2018
- Citation
- 18143662
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 18143662.
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 service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, back and foot conditions, precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
- Denied
The Board denied an increased rating for major depressive disorder and dismissed the appeal for a higher rating of degenerative arthritis of the spine due to untimely notice of disagreement.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s).
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine and L1 compression fracture, finding that there was no evidence to support a nexus between these conditions and his military service.
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