The Veteran's cervical spine disability was initially rated at 10% prior to May 29, 2003. From May 29, 2003 to July 20, 2020, the disability was rated at 30%. Since then, it has been denied for an evaluation in excess of 30%.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to May 29, 2003 due to limited range of motion and absence of muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical stenosis with degenerative joint disease (DJD) and strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 11, 2021
- Citation
- 21008171
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 21008171.
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).
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