The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disorder is manifested by pain and limited range of motion with flare-ups, during which he experiences muscle spasms and his range of motion is markedly inhibited. The Board finds that the criteria for a rating of 20 percent have been met.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations provided findings indicating forward flexion of the cervical spine was between 15 degrees and 45 degrees, with combined range of motion not greater than 170 degrees, which meets the criteria for a 20% rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases or Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 19, 2014
- Citation
- 1455862
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 1455862.
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
Service connection for PTSD, to include depression is granted.,Service connection for blisters of bilateral feet is denied.,Service connection for cervical strain is denied.,Service connection for headaches is denied.,Service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff injury is denied.,Service connection for chest injury and lumbar strain are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical strain and vitreous floaters have been granted service connection as they are directly related to his military service.
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