The Veteran's initial ratings for cervical spine DDD and lumbar spine disability were granted, with the cervical spine rating being increased from 30% to 40%, effective June 21, 2013. The lumbar spine rating was also increased from 40% to 40%, but remains unchanged.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's findings supported the Veteran’s claim for higher ratings based on his current range of motion limitations and the absence of incapacitating episodes or other complications.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (Cervical Spine), Back Pain (Lumbar Spine)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20050738
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 20050738.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is granted a 70% rating, effective from the date of the decision. Other disabilities are also addressed and rated appropriately.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for OSA, cervical spine DDD prior to August 30, 2018, and cervical spine DDD from August 30, 2018 onwards were denied. The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development, including obtaining updated VA examination to assess the severity of his cervical spine disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and headaches have been granted service connection.,Service connection for bilateral hearing loss has not been established.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.