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Granted

The Veteran's neck disability was rated at 30 percent effective July 28, 2017. The initial rating higher than 30 percent for the period prior to this date is not warranted.

The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s neck disability more nearly approximated a functional equivalent of forward flexion of 15 degrees or less from January 9, 2013 to July 27, 2017. From July 28, 2017 onward, there was no unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome.

Claimed conditions
neck disability
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
30%
Decision date
February 22, 2018
Citation
1811711

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 1811711.

What this means for you

A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.

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