The Veteran's cervical spine strain with disc protrusion at C3-4 is currently rated as 30 percent disabling. The Board finds that the disability picture more nearly approximates a higher rating, but granted an increased rating of 30 percent based on the current manifestations and symptoms. Service connection for myofascial pain syndrome of the cervical spine was also granted due to its secondary nature to the service-connected cervical spine strain.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated as 30 percent disabling, which aligns with the criteria for a 30 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board granted an increased rating based on the current manifestations and symptoms without finding any aggravation or new evidence.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine strain with cervical disc protrusion at C3-4, Myofascial pain syndrome of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 25, 2013
- Citation
- 1323784
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1323784.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the revised criteria. The appeal for a higher rating is denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
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