The veteran's appeal is denied as his claim for an initial rating higher than 10 percent for chronic cervical strain with degenerative disc disease does not meet the criteria under the applicable VA rating schedule.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows that the veteran has a full range of motion in his neck, but he experiences pain at approximately 35 degrees of flexion and 45 degrees of extension. The Board finds that this slight limitation of motion due to pain is adequately reflected by the current 10 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic cervical strain, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 30, 2006
- Citation
- 0637166
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 0637166.
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 a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Dismissed
The appeal to reopen the previous denial of service connection for lumbosacral strain is dismissed as the benefit sought has been fully granted.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain, and spinal stenosis based on the Veteran's in-service back injury and chronicity of symptoms.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a disability rating in excess of 20 percent for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and degenerative disc disease, entitlement to TDIU, and special monthly compensation due to the need for additional development.
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