The Board granted service connection for myofascial pain syndrome of the thoraco-cervical spine and assigned a noncompensable (zero percent) initial rating, which was later increased to 20 percent effective April 3, 2008. The Veteran's forward flexion of the cervical spine is currently limited to 40 degrees with no evidence of painful motion.
The deciding factor: The May 2011 VA examination showed forward flexion of the cervical spine at 40 degrees, which was considered significant given the Veteran's daily pain and functional limitations. The Board found this more nearly approximated a higher 20 percent rating based on the Veteran's reported pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Myofascial pain syndrome of the thoraco-cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 25, 2014
- Citation
- 1433300
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 1433300.
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
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