The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 30 percent prior to August 16, 2018 and is now rated at 40 percent since that date.,Issues related to the Veteran's voice disturbance, scars from nevi removal, and scars from cervical fusion are still pending.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s disability of the cervical spine was previously rated based on limitation of motion. Since August 16, 2018, a higher rating is warranted due to additional findings such as incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Syndrome, Voice Disturbance (secondary to paralyzed right vocal cord), Scar, Benign Nevus Removal, Left Cheek, Scars, Status Post Cervical Fusion, Anterior Aspect, Right Side of Neck
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2019
- Citation
- 19180768
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 19180768.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
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