The Veteran's degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine prior to January 8, 2019 is currently rated at 20 percent and does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s forward flexion of the cervical spine was greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees, which corresponds to the current 20 percent rating under DC 5242. The combined range of motion is also within this range.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disk 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
- August 24, 2020
- Citation
- 20055953
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 20055953.
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 denied a disability rating greater than 30 percent for degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine based on the evidence showing that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant an increased disability rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA examination.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine is related to service, specifically an in-service motor vehicle accident. Service connection for this condition is granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for degenerative disk disease of the cervical spine, finding that there was no evidence of a current disability related to an in-service injury and noting inconsistencies in the Veteran's testimony regarding when he first experienced symptoms.
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