The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical strain with degenerative changes and thoracic strain with degenerative changes were denied as the evidence did not show that the disabilities warranted a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the Veteran’s disability was not productive of forward flexion of the cervical or thoracic spine to less than 15 degrees or favorable ankylosis at any time, and thus did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under DCs 4.71a.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain with degenerative changes, Thoracic strain with degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 26, 2018
- Citation
- 18121840
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 18121840.
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 Veteran's thoracic strain with degenerative changes is currently rated at 20 percent prior to July 1, 2019 and in excess of 20 percent after that date. Separate ratings for lower extremity radiculopathy are denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claim for a rating in excess of 10 percent for thoracic strain with degenerative changes due to inadequate examination findings and the need for further development.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted an increased rating of 30 percent for cervical strain with degenerative changes, effective September 21, 2009. The Veteran's service-connected conditions were found to be new and material.
- Whole decision: Denied
Since January 15, 2003, the Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative changes has not met the criteria for a higher evaluation than 20 percent.
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