The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and lumbar spine DJD have been granted increased disability ratings of 20% each, effective November 25, 2019. The TDIU claim has also been granted.
The deciding factor: The VA examiners found that the Veteran’s disabilities resulted in significant functional impairment, including pain and limited range of motion, which supported the increased disability ratings and TDIU determination.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Lumbar Spine Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21006486
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 21006486.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and IVDS are rated at 30% prior to September 28, 2021, but not higher.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is rated at 10% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis is rated at 10% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), Hiatal Hernia and Diverticulitis are rated at 30%.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial evaluation not to exceed 30 percent for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood for the period prior to August 8, 2023, but denied a higher rating since that date. The other service connection claims were remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation as of January 10, 2020. His TDIU claim is granted with an effective date of that day.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial disability rating for cervical spine DDD and DJD was denied as his condition did not meet the criteria for higher ratings at any point during the appeal period.
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