The VA Board denied an increased rating for osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, currently rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA Board found that the evidence did not support a higher disability rating and placed great probative weight on the June 1997 VA examination which noted mild degenerative disease of the cervical spine with no functional weakness or atrophy of upper extremity muscles.
- Claimed conditions
- osteoarthritis of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Presumptive (no nexus needed)
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 15, 2000
- Citation
- 0006976
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 0006976.
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 Veteran withdrew all pending claims and appeals, resulting in the dismissal of these matters.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remanded the appeal to review all evidence and issue a new statement of the case.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require the need for regular aid and attendance, which has been granted special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his cervical spine disability, right shoulder disability, and migraine headaches has been dismissed.,The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is rated at no more than 20 percent from June 1, 2014 to November 24, 2020.
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.