The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine strain with cervical spondylosis and degenerative changes is denied as his disability does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent due to improvement during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine strain, Cervical spondylosis, Degenerative changes
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 7, 2020
- Citation
- 20001181
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a neck disorder to obtain an adequate VA medical opinion addressing the nature and etiology of the Veteran's current neck condition, including whether it is related to her military service.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for cervical and thoracolumbar spine strains, TMJ disorder, dermatitis of the face, right knee chondromalacia grade II with patellar tendonitis, medial meniscal derangement, and Baker's cyst, and bilateral hearing loss. However, service connection was granted for radicular pain paresthesia of the right upper extremity.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, cervical spondylosis, and cervical osteophyte, as well as duodenal ulcers. The remaining claims were denied or remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Agoraphobia as well as cervical spine strain, right and left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. A 40 percent rating was assigned for gastritis.
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