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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 1811509.
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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