The Board granted service connection for upper thoracic muscle strain and cervical muscle strain, each assigned a noncompensable evaluation, effective August 24, 2006. The Veteran's claims were subsequently upgraded to a compensable rating of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's service-connected upper thoracic muscle strain and cervical muscle strain did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, as his range of motion was within the limits specified for a noncompensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- upper thoracic muscle strain, cervical muscle strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- September 16, 2009
- Citation
- 0934707
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 0934707.
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 Board denied the veteran's claim for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to September 26, 2020. The decision was based on evidence showing the veteran could perform sedentary work and was gainfully employed until October 31, 2014.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine disability, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathies, and mechanical low back strain have been denied. The VA has provided multiple remands to gather additional evidence and conduct examinations.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's 20 percent rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability, effective June 21, 2017. The higher than 20 percent and compensable ratings for restrictive lung disease and tension headaches remain denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a cervical spine disability, including degenerative disc disease and intervertebral disc syndrome. The appeal regarding an increased rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability was withdrawn by the Veteran.
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