The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 40 percent, and he is in need of regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities. The Board finds that the criteria for SMC have been met.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability manifested with forward flexion in the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less and unfavorable ankylosis, meeting the criteria for a 40 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The need for aid and attendance was established based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine stenosis with degenerative joint disease, spondylosis, myelopathy, and status post-fusion and laminectomies
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 6, 2016
- Citation
- 1645939
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 1645939.
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
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