The Veteran's mild degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Board found that a higher rating was not warranted based on the current evidence.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the Veteran's mild degenerative disc disease did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in forward flexion of the cervical spine 15 degrees or less, unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
- Claimed conditions
- mild degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- June 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20039825
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 20039825.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for mild degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine. The remaining claims for right carpal tunnel syndrome and right lower extremity radiculopathy are remanded due to inadequate medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected Hashimoto's thyroiditis is granted a 60 percent rating, effective September 7, 2011. She also receives TDIU benefits.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 30 percent for his service-connected cervical spine disability has been denied. The disability is currently rated at 30 percent, the maximum under the General Rating Formula for Diseases or Injuries of the Spine.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability is remanded due to the need for additional examination and testing.
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