The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder is currently rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating available. The Board finds that his disability does not warrant a higher rating as there are no incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome and he has full forward flexion with only objective evidence of painful motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disorder is currently rated at 20 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, which requires limitation of motion. The VA examinations have consistently noted no more than 30 degrees of flexion with some additional limitation due to pain.
- Claimed conditions
- anterior vertebral fracture at C5 with resultant degenerative joint disease at C5-6, thoracolumbar spine disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 28, 2014
- Citation
- 1433487
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 1433487.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals to service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, shin splints of the right and left lower extremities, multiple sclerosis (MS), thoracolumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, left elbow disorder, left knee disorder, migraine headaches, and right knee disorder are dismissed.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeals for service connection of thoracolumbar spine disorder, right knee disorder, and left knee disorder. The appeal is dismissed.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several issues for further evaluation, including service connection claims and evaluations for various knee disabilities. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, cervical spine disorder, right shoulder disorder, left shoulder disorder, right elbow disorder, and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are among the issues being reviewed.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the duty to assist error for the claim of entitlement to service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder is dismissed.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.