The Veteran's cervical spine DDD is rated at 10 percent prior to July 29, 2016 and 20 percent thereafter. The rating for right shoulder strain was denied before July 26, 2016 and granted as of that date with a 30 percent rating. Ratings for left shoulder strain, limitation of flexion in the right knee, and limitation of flexion in the left knee were also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine DDD did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to lack of evidence of limitation of motion or incapacitating episodes as required by the rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 25, 2021
- Citation
- 21004026
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 21004026.
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 Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. The TDIU was granted effective September 26, 2022.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical spine DDD, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy due to inadequate examination reports and new evidence.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection on the merits have been dismissed as he withdrew his claims for abdominal injury, tuberculosis, spots on the lungs, and kidney disorder. The remaining issues of cervical spine DDD, right shoulder neuritis, pelvis fracture residuals, right leg disorder, left leg disorder, right hip disorder, and left hip disorder were denied.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and CAD were denied increased ratings.,Hypertension, hemorrhoids, and right foot fracture with gout were also denied increased ratings.
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