The Veteran's initial rating for a lumbar spine disability prior to September 9, 2013 was denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.,A rating greater than 20 percent from September 9, 2013 for a cervical spine disability was also denied due to lack of incapacitating episodes and existing range of motion findings.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating prior to September 9, 2013 as her forward flexion was greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.,For cervical spine disability from September 9, 2013 onwards, there were no incapacitating episodes and existing range of motion findings did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine disability, cervical spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19196866
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 19196866.
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
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