The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for their service-connected lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities were denied. The lumbar spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to June 25, 2018, and increased to 40 percent effective June 25, 2018. The cervical spine disability remained at a 10 percent rating throughout the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any ankylosis or incapacitating episodes of IVDS that would warrant higher ratings under the General Formula and IVDS Formula for both disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lower back strain (lumbar spine disability), chronic neck strain (cervical spine disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2019
- Citation
- A19003702
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 A19003702.
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.
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- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of October 20, 2023 for a 70 percent rating for service-connected PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
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