The VA has denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected cervical spine strain and headaches. The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The veteran’s cervical spine disability did not result in forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, nor did it involve ankylosis of the cervical spine. His headaches were chronic but did not present with monthly prostrating attacks as required for a higher rating under DC 8100.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Muscle Strain, Cephalgia (Headaches)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 31, 2007
- Citation
- 0727438
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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0727438.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a separate and distinct diagnosis of anxiety. The claims for service connection for blurred vision, cephalgia (headaches), chronic sinusitis, and Osgood-Schlatter Disease, left knee are REMANDED as additional development is needed to address whether these conditions are related to service-connected disabilities or other factors.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claims for PTSD and Cephalgia (Headaches) have been granted. The Board found that the Veteran engaged in combat service, which established his PTSD claim. For his headaches, the Board accepted the Veteran's lay testimony of a head injury during service as sufficient evidence to establish service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a right eye disorder, right shoulder disability, and cephalgia. The case is remanded to obtain additional evidence and provide further examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran's chronic, frequent headaches have been found to meet the criteria for a 50% evaluation, reflecting severe economic inadaptability.
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