The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for cervical strain and TDIU was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent prior to June 2, 2015 or in excess of 30 percent thereafter. Additionally, there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine or entire spine, and no neurologic abnormalities associated with the cervical strain.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show forward flexion greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees; combined range of motion of the cervical spine not greater than 120 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour such as scoliosis, reversed lordosis, or abnormal kyphosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 21, 2019
- Citation
- 19148716
Veterans Law Judge
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19148716.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain, service connection for left leg pain (claimed as joint pain), and service connection for a left ear hearing condition are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain, low back disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral nerve disability, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral nerve disability. The conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.
- Granted
Service connection for PTSD, to include depression is granted.,Service connection for blisters of bilateral feet is denied.,Service connection for cervical strain is denied.,Service connection for headaches is denied.,Service connection for right shoulder rotator cuff injury is denied.,Service connection for chest injury and lumbar strain are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical strain and vitreous floaters have been granted service connection as they are directly related to his military service.
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