The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain and related conditions have been evaluated as 20 percent disabling prior to June 29, 2018, and as 30 percent disabling from that date. The Board found the evidence did not support a higher rating based on additional limitation of motion or other factors.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion was limited to 30 degrees in both periods considered, which is within the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The evidence did not support an increase to a higher rating based on additional functional loss or other factors.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain, Degenerative arthritis of the spine, Intervertebral disc syndrome, Cervical spondylosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 18, 2020
- Citation
- 20012506
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 20012506.
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 Veteran's claims for an initial disability rating in excess of 10 percent for cervical strain, service connection for left leg pain (claimed as joint pain), and service connection for a left ear hearing condition are being remanded due to duty-to-assist errors.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, right knee degenerative arthritis, left knee degenerative arthritis, right ankle degenerative arthritis, and left ankle degenerative arthritis.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 50 percent effective February 13, 2021. His left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 80 percent from April 21, 2013 to February 12, 2021. The Veteran's TDIU claim has an earlier effective date of April 21, 2013.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical strain, low back disability, bilateral upper extremity peripheral nerve disability, and bilateral lower extremity peripheral nerve disability. The conditions are related to the Veteran's active service.
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