The Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected cervical spine arthritis was denied. The evidence did not support a finding that the disability warranted a higher rating based on functional loss, muscle spasm, guarding, localized tenderness, vertebral body fracture, intervertebral disc syndrome requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician, or associated neurological impairment.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine arthritis was at worst limited to forward flexion of the cervical spine to 35 degrees and combined range of motion of 245 degrees. No additional loss of motion occurred after repetitive testing, no ankylosis was observed, and no associated neurological impairments were present.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 10, 2014
- Citation
- 1449925
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 1449925.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was granted with effective dates of May 13, 2019.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar and cervical spine are being remanded due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The AOJ is directed to obtain an addendum medical opinion that addresses the extent of flareups experienced by the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
Service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and anxiety is granted. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy, right knee condition, and OSA are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for reducing his disability ratings for cervical spine conditions has been withdrawn by the Veteran's representative.
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