The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for cervical spine degenerative joint disease was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of unfavorable ankylosis or forward flexion limited to less than 15 degrees at any point during the period on appeal.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence did not demonstrate unfavorable ankylosis or forward flexion limited to less than 15 degrees for any portion of the period on appeal, thus preventing a higher rating under applicable VA regulations and criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 20, 2018
- Citation
- 1817259
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 1817259.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a temporary total rating based on hospitalization or convalescence due to his service-connected cervical spine disability is remanded as the record does not include post-surgical follow-up treatment records from the University of Virginia Hospital.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease and a back disability due to lack of evidence linking these conditions to his military service. The case is being remanded for further examination and opinion regarding the claimed back disability.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease and lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, including radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's reported in-service injuries and current medical diagnoses.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, finding that the Veteran's current condition is related to an in-service injury.
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