The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. The claims for service connection of heel spurs, shoulder spurs/arthritis, and toe spurs/arthritis were denied as there was no evidence to support their relationship with service.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability did not result in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating. The claims for the other conditions were denied due to lack of evidence linking them to service.
- Claimed conditions
- Traumatic arthritis of the cervical spine with herniated pulposus, Heel spurs, Shoulder spurs/arthritis, Toe spurs/arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 8, 2018
- Citation
- 1808270
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 1808270.
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 Board granted a 30 percent rating for right and left foot disabilities of plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, hallux valgus, and metatarsalgia.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's bilateral foot pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs is granted an initial disability rating of 30 percent. The Veteran's residuals of left foot 3rd and 4th metatarsals status post fracture are denied a compensable rating prior to September 16, 2021, but granted in excess of 20 percent thereafter.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks service connection for a bilateral foot disability, including pes planus. The Board has determined that another remand is necessary to obtain updated treatment records and conduct a VA examination with a podiatrist to address the nature and etiology of all claimed foot disorders.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for right and left ankle disabilities, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his service-connected pes planus. The initial noncompensable rating for bilateral pes planus with plantar fasciitis and heel spurs was increased to 30 percent.
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