The Veteran's service-connected degenerative changes of the cervical spine, status-post laminectomy have been rated at 20 percent since August 31, 2012. The Board has determined that this rating is appropriate based on the evidence showing no more than functional loss more nearly approximating forward flexion of the cervical spine of 20 degrees or greater.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion testing showed limited forward flexion (30 degrees) with pain, and other findings did not warrant a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes. The Board considered additional functional impairment due to pain but found no evidence that this more nearly approximated ankylosis or favorable ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Changes of the Cervical Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 13, 2017
- Citation
- 1757719
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 1757719.
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: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including asthma, migraines, PTSD, and TBI-related conditions, have rendered him unable to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment for the appeal period from May 14, 2018, to September 7, 2021, and from September 18, 2021, to September 7, 2022. Effective September 7, 2021, he is in receipt of a 100% combined schedular disability rating.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative changes of the cervical spine with mild thoracic spine kyphosis, finding that it is related to an in-service injury.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran has been diagnosed with degenerative changes of the cervical spine and provided credible statements of continuous symptomatology since service. The Board finds that the evidence supports a finding of service connection for this condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not require aid and attendance of another person, as his need for assistance is primarily due to his seizure disorder.
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