The Veteran's increased disability ratings for his service-connected back disabilities (degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, as well as degenerative disc disease and facet arthritis of the cervical spine) have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating under either the General Rating Formula or the IVDS Rating Formula.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were evaluated against both the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine and the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes, but no criteria supported a higher rating than the current 20 percent and 30 percent ratings respectively.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, Degenerative disc disease and facet arthritis of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- December 20, 2022
- Citation
- A22025856
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 A22025856.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is denied. The Veteran's back condition has been rated at 10 percent since June 30, 2017.
- Granted
Effective August 26, 2020, the Veteran's degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome was rated at 20 percent.,Effective August 26, 2020, the Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was rated at 20 percent.,Effective August 26, 2020, the Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was rated at 40 percent.
- Granted
The Veteran's back disability has been characterized by limited range of motion, guarding and pain upon examination. The Board grants a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
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