The Veteran's cervical spine strain is currently rated at 10 percent, which accurately reflects the severity of his symptoms including pain and limited range of motion. The current rating does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there are no findings indicating forward flexion greater than 40 degrees or combined range of motion less than 235 degrees.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine strain has been shown to have a combined range of motion at worst of 260 degrees, with limitations in lateral rotation. There is no evidence of muscle spasm, guarding, or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- July 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21039930
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 21039930.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck disorder, as it is insufficiently addressed in the previous decision. The case will be sent back for an addendum opinion.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied increased evaluations. The TDIU claim was also denied prior to August 20, 2013.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 20 percent rating for the Veteran's cervical spine strain from October 24, 2011. The effective date is set at that time.
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