The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 40 percent effective August 2, 2017. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to this date.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is currently rated at 30 percent effective March 18, 2019. The Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine and degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine are currently rated at their maximum levels, and there is no additional functional loss or impairment due to flare-ups or other factors.
- Claimed conditions
- intervertebral disc syndrome with degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 26, 2021
- Citation
- 21065530
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 21065530.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, in combination, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education and work history.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for a right shoulder condition, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and TBI residuals due to potential errors in obtaining necessary medical opinions.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is dismissed as it remains pending in a legacy system and no statement of the case has been issued.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease with IVDS is rated at 40 percent, effective as of the date of this decision.,The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is rated at 30 percent, effective as of the date of this decision.
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