The VA denied an increased evaluation for the veteran's cervical spine disability, finding that his condition does not warrant a rating in excess of 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The objective medical evidence did not show any ankylosis and demonstrated limitation of motion without other associated neurological abnormalities.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Joint Disease, Limitation of Motion, Mild Sensory Deficits (Ulnar Nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 16, 2007
- Citation
- 0736181
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 0736181.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to a higher evaluation for left knee instability and limitation of motion, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent.
- Denied
The Veteran's increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, thoracolumbar spine degenerative joint disease, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity with demyelinating polyneuropathy are denied. A TDIU is granted for the period from February 7, 2018, to February 6, 2022, but dismissed for the period thereafter.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted TDIU effective July 2, 2012. Prior to that date, his service-connected disabilities did not render him unemployable.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further examination and evaluation to determine if the Veteran is entitled to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance or housebound status from July 12, 2011 to January 29, 2019, and whether TBI alone warrants such benefits.
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.