The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was initially rated at 10 percent prior to July 16, 2014 and increased to 20 percent thereafter. The cervical spine disability was also initially rated at 10 percent prior to July 16, 2014 and remains at 20 percent. The Veteran's chronic rhinitis and sinusitis were not granted a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula or IVDS based on incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Moderate degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 with focal disc protrusion at L5-S1 with annular tear and multilevel spondyloarthropathy of the lumbar spine, Chronic neck strain with mild disc space narrowing at C5-6 and C6-7
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- August 3, 2020
- Citation
- 20051196
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 20051196.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
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- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected musculoligamentous strain, right knee, is currently rated at 10 percent and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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