The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's cervical spine, left and right upper extremity neurological conditions, and lumbar spine disabilities, as well as an earlier effective date for service connection of the lumbar spine disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating or an earlier effective date based on the criteria provided by the applicable regulations.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine arthritis, strain, with herniated and bulging discs (also claimed as neck pain), left upper extremity neurological condition (left hand numbness), right upper extremity neurological condition (right hand numbness), lumbar spine arthritis and thoracolumbar strain (also claimed as mid-low back pain)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 7, 2024
- Citation
- A24072835
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for cervical spine arthritis, lumbar spine arthritis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), seizure disorder, and erectile dysfunction has been dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development, specifically to obtain relevant Social Security Administration records.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for initial increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine arthritis, cervical spine arthritis, bilateral lower extremity femoral radiculopathy, and a scar.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for cervical spine arthritis and left upper extremity carpal tunnel syndrome based on a favorable nexus opinion from the Veteran's treating physician.
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.