The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 10 percent prior to September 20, 2013 and at 30 percent thereafter. The Veteran asserts that his symptoms warrant higher ratings.,The Veteran's right vocal cord paralysis is currently rated at 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a finding of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, which would be required for a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5242. The Veteran's symptoms do not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation based on functional loss or other factors.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative disc and joint disease, Right vocal cord paralysis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- Not specified
- Citation
- 18100139
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 18100139.
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: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right vocal cord paralysis, finding that it was not related to his military service or any service-connected disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right vocal cord paralysis with voice hoarseness is granted a disability rating of 30 percent, based on the development of a fibrous subepithelial mass (nodule) that has not resulted in a constant inability to speak above a whisper.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and special monthly compensation based on complete organic aphonia is denied. The Board found that the criteria for both were not met.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical strain and left upper extremity radiculopathy are granted at a 40 percent rating effective November 3, 2017. The Veteran's lumbar strain is rated as 40 percent disabling after July 29, 2014.
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