The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and associated right upper extremity radiculopathy were granted increased ratings, with the cervical spine rating set at 20 percent effective March 26, 2015.
The deciding factor: The examination reports showed that the Veteran had forward flexion of the cervical spine limited to 0 to 20 degrees on March 26, 2015, which met the criteria for a 30 percent rating under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 12, 2016
- Citation
- 1640389
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 1640389.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The TDIU was granted effective September 26, 2022.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine DDD, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examination reports and new evidence.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for abdominal injury, tuberculosis, spots on the lungs, and kidney disorder. The remaining issues of cervical spine DDD, right shoulder neuritis, pelvis fracture residuals, right leg disorder, left leg disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder were denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and CAD were denied increased ratings.,Hypertension, hemorrhoids, and right foot fracture with gout were also denied increased ratings.
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.