The veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, effective October 6, 1991. The right thumb strain and residuals of left thumb sprain are both rated as 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA determined that the veteran's cervical spine condition warranted a 20 percent rating based on moderate limitation of motion, with no additional functional loss or incapacitating episodes. The right thumb strain was also rated at 10 percent due to arthritis and some limited function but without ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc and joint disease of the cervical spine, Right thumb strain, residuals, degenerative joint disease, Residuals of left thumb sprain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 5, 2007
- Citation
- 0720154
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 0720154.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for VR&E benefits was denied because she did not have an employment handicap and was able to obtain suitable employment consistent with her abilities, aptitudes, and interests.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for the VA to attempt to obtain medical records from Dr. Choi at Garden Way, as requested in his November 2021 VA examination.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for cervical spine disability, finding that the reduction from 20 to 10 percent was improper due to insufficient evidence of material improvement under the ordinary conditions of life.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings on multiple disabilities are being remanded due to the need for additional VA and private treatment records.
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