The Veteran's increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity with demyelinating polyneuropathy are denied. A TDIU is granted for the period from February 7, 2018, to February 6, 2022, but dismissed for the period thereafter.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Joint Disease, Thoracolumbar Spine Degenerative Joint Disease, Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity with Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 21, 2022
- Citation
- 22059298
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 22059298.
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: Granted
The Veteran is granted TDIU effective July 2, 2012. Prior to that date, his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further examination and evaluation to determine if the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019, and whether TBI alone warrants such benefits.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine condition is rated at a 30 percent disability rating, effective November 5, 2014. The Board found the evidence in approximate balance as to whether the Veteran's cervical spine condition was manifested by pain and limited range of motion.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not limit or prevent participation in the avocational interests of exercise, photography, and music. The Board denied the request for VR&E benefits to purchase a music keyboard, stationary and electric bicycles, and camera as part of his avocational activities.
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.