The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for cervical neck strain with posttraumatic cervical myositis prior to November 15, 2018 was denied.,The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for cervical neck strain with posttraumatic cervical myositis after November 15, 2018 was also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less prior to November 15, 2018, which is required for a higher rating.,For the period after November 15, 2018, the Veteran's disability was manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less and IVDS without incapacitating episodes during the past 12 months. The criteria for a higher rating were not met.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical neck strain, Posttraumatic cervical myositis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 19, 2019
- Citation
- 19187362
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's increased ratings for low back strain and cervical neck strain have been denied as the evidence does not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar or cervical spine to 30 degrees or less, nor favorable ankylosis.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
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