The Veteran's cervical right trapezius strain was rated at 10 percent prior to April 5, 2008 and increased to 20 percent beginning on that date.,For the period of time beginning April 5, 2008, the Veteran's cervical right trapezius strain is rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination in April 2008 showed a significant decrease in range of motion for the cervical spine compared to the March 2004 examination.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical right trapezius strain, Lumbar spine strain, Major depression, Retropatellar pain syndrome (right knee), Urticaria
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 18, 2009
- Citation
- 0930826
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 0930826.
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: Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for major depression, finding that it is related to events of service. The evidence received since the prior denial supports this determination.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder. The claim will be reconsidered with a new medical opinion.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating greater than 70 percent for major depression and anxiety disorder with insomnia is denied. The appeal for SMC based on the need for aid and attendance is dismissed as moot. The service connection claim for a neck disability is remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date, a higher disability rating, and TDIU have all been denied. The Board found that the current effective date is appropriate and that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating or TDIU.
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