The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations for cervical spine strain and degenerative disc disease of the L4-5 with facet arthrosis were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation under VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability was found to have forward flexion of the cervical spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 40 degrees, and combined range of motion greater than 170 degrees. His degenerative disc disease did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation as his forward flexion of thoracolumbar spine was greater than 60 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Strain, Degenerative Disc Disease of L4-5 with Facet Arthrosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 9, 2014
- Citation
- 1445021
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 1445021.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the decision on appeal is legally inadequate due to insufficient notification and an inadequately supported medical opinion. The case is being remanded for further action.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, and right ankle disabilities are remanded for further evaluation. The Veteran also has claims for increased ratings for tension headaches and sinusitis, which are also remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted a 40 percent rating from September 28, 2019 for the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome with disc herniation L3-S1, status post discectomy L3-4 and L4-5. The other conditions have been rated based on their direct service connection.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The appeal for service connection of a cervical spine disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion.
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