The Veteran's lumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been rated based on limitation of motion, with no evidence of ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for her back disability.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability has also been rated based on limitation of motion. She is not entitled to a higher rating.

The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lumbar and cervical spine disabilities have been evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, which does not allow for an increased rating due to lack of evidence of ankylosis or IVDS. The Veteran's disability is already rated at the maximum available.,Similarly, her cervical spine disability has also been evaluated based on limitation of motion. She is not entitled to a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

Arthritis of Left Hand (Median Nerve Impairment), Arthritis of Right Hand (Median Nerve Impairment), Degenerative Arthritis of Cervical Spine, Degenerative Arthritis of Lumbar Spine, Left Index Finger Disability with Painful Motion, Left Little Finger Disability with Painful Motion, Left Long Finger Disability with Painful Motion, Left Ring Finger Disability with Painful Motion, Right Index Finger Disability with Painful Motion, Right Little Finger Disability with Painful Motion, Right Long Finger Disability with Painful Motion, Right Ring Finger Disability with Painful Motion

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating

Not verified here — check the original decision

Decision date

March 27, 2019

Citation

19123270

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 19123270.