The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, as the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the current severity of his conditions.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the lack of evidence showing forward flexion to 15 degrees or less for the neck disability or unfavorable ankylosis for the back disability, which are required for higher ratings under the applicable criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical (neck) spine disability, thoracolumbar spine disability (back)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 1, 2020
- Citation
- 20064148
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Granted
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