The veteran's claims for increased ratings for his neck injury, low back strain, and left knee condition were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under either the old or new VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that while there was some limitation of motion in all planes except right rotation for the cervical spine, and limited flexion and extension for the lumbar spine, these findings were within the range considered normal by VA standards. The veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under either the old or new General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Neck injury with arthritis at C-3 and C-6"}, {"condition_name":"Myofascial low back strain"}, {"condition_name":"Chondromalacia of the left knee with degenerative changes"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 16, 2006
- Citation
- 0635617
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 0635617.
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 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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.