The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for her cervical spine disability was denied as there is no evidence of forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, nor ankylosis. The current 20 percent rating adequately reflects the severity of her condition.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show forward flexion restricted to 15 degrees or less and there was no indication of ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- neck muscle strain, degenerative disc disease (DDD), degenerative arthritic changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 7, 2010
- Citation
- 1020791
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 1020791.
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.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for degenerative disc disease (DDD) was dismissed by the Veteran in written correspondence.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for right shoulder, thoracolumbar spine, and ankle disabilities based on their relationship to the Veteran's active service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain and granted an effective date of November 5, 2007, but no earlier, for TDIU.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection for degenerative disc disease was dismissed as the Veteran withdrew the issue in January 2025.
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