The Veteran's cervical spine disability, characterized as degenerative disc disease, herniated nucleus pulposus, and cervical spine C5-6, is currently rated at 30 percent. The Board has determined that the evidence does not support a higher rating due to lack of unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability did not demonstrate unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes as required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula and the Formula for Rating IVDS Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), multilevel degenerative arthritis, orthotopic OS odontoideum, status post fusion, C1-2 with residual hardware
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- May 23, 2018
- Citation
- 18104852
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 18104852.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's effective date for SMC based on the need for regular aid and attendance is set to March 11, 2021. He was granted a higher level of SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(p) at level (n).
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40% initial rating for left upper extremity paresthesia, hypoesthesia and denied higher ratings or service connection for other conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for urinary frequency and cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome due to inadequate VA examinations and missing records.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine intervertebral disc syndrome and lumbar spine strain, finding that the Veteran's symptoms are related to his active duty service.
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