The Veteran's initial rating for cervical myelopathy, status post discectomy and fusion, is denied as it did not meet the criteria for an increased rating. The Veteran's surgical scars of the neck are also denied as they do not warrant a compensable rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s cervical spine disability did not result in forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, and there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis. For the surgical scars of the neck, there were no characteristics of disfigurement, instability, or pain that would warrant a compensable rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical myelopathy, Surgical scars of the neck
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 21, 2020
- Citation
- 20068348
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
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