The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis was denied as the evidence did not show symptoms more nearly approximating unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations and medical records showed functional loss due to pain, weakened movement, excess fatigability, incoordination, repetitive use, pain during flare-ups, and pain during repetitive use over time without symptoms more nearly approximating unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine or unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 30, 2020
- Citation
- 20050795
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 20050795.
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: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a fungal infection of the feet, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and psychiatric condition due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is granted a 40 percent rating, and the left upper extremity radiculopathy is granted a 30 percent rating. The cervical spine degenerative arthritis does not meet the criteria for a higher than 20 percent rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection have been denied. The cervical spine disability is rated as 20 percent prior to May 31, 2024 and 30 percent on and after that date.,PTSD is rated at 50 percent.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's neck disability, rated at 30 percent, is denied a higher rating as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or other disabling conditions that would warrant a higher rating.
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