The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent disabling, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations conducted in February 2012 and October 2013 did not show forward flexion of the cervical spine less than or equal to 15 degrees, nor was there any unfavorable ankylosis. The Veteran's disability is characterized by pain and decreased range of motion but does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 18, 2014
- Citation
- 1406900
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 1406900.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 a VA examiner's opinion regarding whether his service-connected disabilities result in loss of use and if so, whether he requires aid and attendance without considering such disability/ies. The Veteran also needs to be considered for SMC R1 based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine and a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to June 3, 2022.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating and TDIU due to inadequate examination reports in the previous decisions. The Veteran needs a new VA examination to assess his cervical spine disability, including range of motion during flare-ups and repeated use.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent prior to December 26, 2007, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine due to inadequate explanation of denial of higher evaluations.
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