The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's lumbar spine chronic strain, cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD), and left hemi-dystonia.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran met the criteria for higher ratings based on the applicable rating criteria and findings from examinations and treatment records.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar spine chronic strain, Cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD), Left hemi-dystonia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 31, 2024
- Citation
- 24004813
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 is entitled to a total disability rating for individual unemployability (TDIU) from June 2, 2010, to March 13, 2014.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the awards of service connection for PTSD and residuals of a TBI, to include migraine headaches, but denied earlier effective dates for lumbosacral strain, cervical DDD, right upper extremity radiculopathy associated with cervical DDD, and left upper extremity radiculopathy associated with cervical DDD.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
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