The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar and cervical spine disabilities were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent or 30 percent, respectively.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran’s range of motion was limited during flare-ups but still met the criteria for a 20 percent rating for thoracolumbar spine disability and a 30 percent rating for cervical spine disability under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD), degenerative disc disease (DDD), and intervertebral bulging discs, Cervical spine DJD, DDD, and intervertebral bulging discs
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21068087
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 21068087.
What this means for you
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