The Veteran's initial 20 percent rating for cervical spine disorder (cervical strain with degenerative disc disease) is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA's General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disorder has been productive of orthopedic manifestations that most closely approximate forward flexion limited to 25 degrees and a combined range of motion limited to 70 degrees, with no evidence of favorable or unfavorable ankylosis. No intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) manifestations have been demonstrated.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 2, 2014
- Citation
- 1419655
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 1419655.
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).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal because a concurrent election for review was made, which is not allowed. The Veteran's claim of service connection for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease cannot be reviewed by the Board.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claims for left knee strain, right knee injury, cervical strain with degenerative disc disease, lumbosacral strain to include degenerative disc disease and IVDS, right lower extremity radiculopathy, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and tension headaches have been granted effective October 9, 2023.,The Veteran's claims for an earlier effective date were denied as the appropriate effective date is October 9, 2023.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to her service-connected disabilities, as the evidence demonstrated she was unable to obtain and maintain gainful employment.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for cervical strain with degenerative disc disease, right shoulder tendinopathy, and left shoulder condition. The claims for right upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to a cervical strain were also granted. However, the claim for left upper extremity radiculopathy and gastroesophageal reflux disease were denied.
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