The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated at 30 percent since March 1999. The Board found that the current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition, with pain on use and occasional muscle spasms, moderate to severe limitation of motion without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability has been rated based on its predominant symptomatology (pain) rather than specific diagnostic criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome or other neurological manifestations. The current rating adequately reflects the severity of his condition, with pain on use and occasional muscle spasms, moderate to severe limitation of motion without ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain, Degenerative joint disease (right knee), Right knee instability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- July 16, 2014
- Citation
- 1431996
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 1431996.
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 claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain, service connection for left leg pain (claimed as joint pain), and service connection for a left ear hearing condition are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain, low back disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral nerve disability, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral nerve disability. The conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
- Granted
The Veteran's right knee disability, including limitation of extension and flexion, instability, and meniscus condition, is now rated at 20 percent effective March 7, 2020.
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