The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his neck and back disabilities have been denied. The evidence does not show the required functional limitations to warrant higher ratings.,For the period prior to June 16, 2019, the Veteran’s cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent disabling, which is the maximum rating available under Diagnostic Code 5242 for a neck disability. From June 16, 2019, the rating has been set at 20 percent, also the highest possible under that code.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show forward flexion limitation of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less, nor does it show favorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine.
- Claimed conditions
- neck disability, back disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 29, 2020
- Citation
- 20006817
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.
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- Remanded (sent back)
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- Denied
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