The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the spine is now rated at 40 percent, effective February 5, 2016. This rating reflects significant limitation in forward flexion.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that after repetitive use testing, the Veteran’s forward flexion reduced to 30 degrees and estimated it would reduce further during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the spine, Chronic cervical strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 5, 2019
- Citation
- 19160427
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 19160427.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and readjudication due to non-compliance with previous remand instructions.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, as well as a TDIU.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the aid and attendance of another person to perform personal care functions or to protect him from hazards and dangers incident to his daily environment, warranting special monthly compensation (SMC) based on regular aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain a new VA medical opinion regarding the Veteran's claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for additional back disability due to VA treatment resulting in him falling on his back in October 2016.
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