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.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability, when evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, did not meet or approximate the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to September 14, 2009; in excess of 20 percent from September 14, 2009 to February 15, 2010; in excess of 10 percent from May 1, 2010 to January 26, 2014; and in excess of 30 percent thereafter.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 1, 2022
- Citation
- 22019445
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 22019445.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied increased evaluations. The TDIU claim was also denied prior to August 20, 2013.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cause of death is determined to be causally related to his service-connected Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Joint Disease, leading to a liver biopsy. As such, the claim for service connection for the cause of death is granted.
- Whole decision: 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%.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection for DJD and rotator cuff tear of the left shoulder was dismissed because the VA Form 10182 was not timely filed.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.