The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative disc disease and disc narrowing including neck condition was not manifested by forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, by favorable ankylosis at any time, or by evidence of incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks in any twelve month period since December 11, 2008. As such, the Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative disc disease and disc narrowing including neck condition does not meet the criteria for a disability rating higher than 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative disc disease and disc narrowing including neck condition did not meet the criteria for a disability rating higher than 20 percent as there was no evidence of forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis at any time, or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks in any twelve month period since December 11, 2008.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical strain, degenerative disc disease, disc narrowing
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 3, 2018
- Citation
- 1819748
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 1819748.
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.
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- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
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