The Veteran's service-connected arthritis of the spine and radiculopathy were evaluated, with a final rating of 40% for both conditions after July 4, 2020. The claim was denied as no higher ratings are warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show ankylosis or unfavorable ankylosis of the spine, and the Veteran's radiculopathy did not meet criteria for a higher rating based on incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 7, 2021
- Citation
- 21073186
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 21073186.
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 PTSD due to MST and low back pain are granted. The case is remanded for further examination.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea and degenerative arthritis of the spine due to a duty to assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided that the Veteran is eligible for enrollment in the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) based on his service-connected conditions. However, due to a legal inadequacy and the need for a more detailed medical opinion, the case must be remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, back and foot conditions, precluded him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation.
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