The Veteran's claim for a compensable rating for degenerative arthritis of the spine was denied as there is no evidence of limitation in range of motion or functional loss due to pain, even considering flare-ups. The Board found that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Codes 5242 or 5003.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner did not find any limitation of motion or evidence of x-ray changes in joint groups, and there was no functional loss due to pain supported by adequate pathology and evidenced by visible behavior on motion. The Veteran's reports of flare-ups were found to be inconsistent with the examination findings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 0%
- Decision date
- April 10, 2019
- Citation
- 19127804
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 Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and foraminal stenosis based on a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine to obtain a new medical opinion that considers an in-service injury after appropriate efforts are made to obtain the appellant's service treatment records.
- Dismissed
The veteran withdrew his appeals for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, bilateral neuropathy below the hips, and a skin disability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for further development and readjudication due to an incomplete medical nexus opinion.
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