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 assigned
- 20%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 18121840.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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