The Veteran's cervical spine disability with DDD and DDD did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to December 9, 2011. From December 9, 2011 to March 13, 2014, and from May 1, 2014, his disability was rated at 20 percent based on forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability did not result in incapacitating episodes with a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks and had findings of ankylosis. Other related neurological abnormalities were found, specifically right upper extremity radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine disability with degenerative joint disease (DDD) and degenerative disc disease (DDD), IVDS of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 22, 2018
- Citation
- 1811509
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 1811509.
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 rendered him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation for the period from October 14, 2009 to June 26, 2012. The Board granted TDIU during this period.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for IVDS of the cervical spine is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a 30 percent evaluation under the general formula for diseases and injuries of the spine.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeals for higher ratings for IVDS of the cervical and thoracolumbar spine were denied as his disabilities did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded for further development regarding his service connection claim for GERD and increased rating claims for IVDS of the cervical spine. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted under either the General Rating Formula or the IVDS Formula.
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