The Veteran's cervical spine strain and patellofemoral syndrome of the right knee were denied increased ratings. The Veteran was granted a 20% rating for cervical spine strain from January 1, 2011 to June 5, 2018, but not higher. For the remainder of the period, the claim is denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the cervical spine at or below 30 degrees with or without pain and after repetitive use testing, which would warrant a rating in excess of 10% for cervical spine strain. The Veteran's patellofemoral syndrome was rated as 10% due to limited range of motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Strain, Patellofemoral Syndrome of the Right Knee
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 31, 2019
- Citation
- 19159181
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 19159181.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the decision on appeal is legally inadequate due to insufficient notification and an inadequately supported medical opinion. The case is being remanded for further action.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine, bilateral shoulder, and right ankle disabilities are remanded for further evaluation. The Veteran also has claims for increased ratings for tension headaches and sinusitis, which are also remanded.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 40 percent rating from September 28, 2019 for the Veteran's service-connected intervertebral disc syndrome with disc herniation L3-S1, status post discectomy L3-4 and L4-5. The other conditions have been rated based on their direct service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for an initial compensable evaluation for service-connected bilateral hearing loss has been denied. The appeal for service connection of a cervical spine disorder is remanded due to the need for a VA medical opinion.
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