The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his cervical and lumbar spine disabilities were denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis, which would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not find any evidence of unfavorable ankylosis in the Veteran's cervical or lumbar spine segments, even during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with degenerative disc and joint disease, cervical strain with degenerative disc and joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 5, 2023
- Citation
- 23043406
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 23043406.
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 Board denied the veteran's claims for earlier effective dates and increased ratings, as well as special monthly compensation based on housebound criteria.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claim for migraine headaches is granted. The Board finds that the evidence is in approximate balance as to whether current migraines are related to service, and thus grants service connection on a direct basis.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to deficiencies in obtaining addendum medical opinions and conducting necessary examinations.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to the need for addendum medical opinions and range of motion measurements.
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