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Denied

The Veteran's cervical and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as his sciatica, were denied increased disability ratings. The current ratings are 10% for the cervical spine prior to January 9, 2020, and 20% since then; and 10% for the lumbar spine.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.

Claimed conditions
Degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (cervical disc disease), Degenerative arthritis status post spinal fusion with intervertebral disc syndrome (lumbar disc disease)
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
August 4, 2020
Citation
20051618

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 20051618.

What this means for you

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