Since January 15, 2003, the Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative changes has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation than 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability does not demonstrate severe limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes that would warrant an increased rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 19, 2012
- Citation
- 1239672
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 1239672.
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 Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain with degenerative changes and thoracic strain with degenerative changes were denied as the evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for cervical strain with degenerative changes, effective September 21, 2009. The Veteran's service-connected conditions were found to be new and material.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development to determine the current severity of his service-connected cervical spine disability, including any related trapezius strain and neurological symptoms. Clarification is also needed regarding the nature and etiology of the Veteran's reported occipital region pain and headaches.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the veteran's cervical spine disability warrants a rating of 50 percent since September 26, 2003.
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