The Veteran's claim for service connection of mild degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied. The effective date for the award of service connection for a cervical spine disability is September 1, 1996. The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy and right upper extremity radiculopathy are associated with his service-connected cervical spine disability. Service connection for glaucoma has been granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish a direct relationship between the claimed conditions and active duty service, nor was there any indication of ankylosis or other factors that would warrant higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"mild degenerative joint disease with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine"}, {"condition_name":"cervical spine disability (status post C3-C4 diskectomy, facetectomy, and fusion)"}, {"condition_name":"left upper extremity radiculopathy"}, {"condition_name":"right upper extremity radiculopathy"}, {"condition_name":"glaucoma"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 12, 2019
- Citation
- 19192549
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 19192549.
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 obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.