The VA determined that the Veteran's service-connected cervical and thoracic spine disorders do not warrant an increased disability rating, as they do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The VA found that the Veteran's cervical and thoracic spine disabilities did not result in forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire spine, intervertebral disc syndrome with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during the past 12 months, or other criteria warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- fibromyositis of the cervical spine, fibromyositis of the thoracic spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2013
- Citation
- 1337787
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 1337787.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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).
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