The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the evidence does not support a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain or other factors.
The deciding factor: The May 2007 VA examination showed forward flexion of the cervical spine to 20 degrees with no additional limitation upon repetitive use. The Veteran's disability is currently rated under DC 5237 for diseases and injuries of the spine, which does not allow for a higher rating based on the criteria provided.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic Cervical Strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 27, 2012
- Citation
- 1229340
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 1229340.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and determination of service connection for kidney stones, which were not addressed in the original decision.
- Granted
The Veteran is entitled to a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability prior to February 13, 2015 due to his service-connected disabilities. On or after February 13, 2015, the combined rating of his service-connected disabilities does not meet the criteria for TDIU.
- Granted
The veteran's headaches, secondary to his service-connected chronic cervical strain with limitation of motion of the upper extremities, are currently rated at 10 percent.
- Granted
The Board has granted an initial evaluation of 20 percent for chronic cervical strain from April 4, 1995 to July 23, 2000 and a 30 percent evaluation for chronic right trapezius and pectoralis muscle strain and right shoulder tendonitis since July 24, 2000.
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