The Veteran's neck disability did not result in ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) prior to April 19, 2017 despite pain and weakness during repeated use. The rating for the condition remains at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show that the Veteran's neck disability resulted in forward flexion of the cervical spine limited to 15 degrees or less prior to April 19, 2017.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease (DDD) at C4-C7
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- November 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21067485
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 21067485.
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.
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- Whole decision: Denied
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- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for PTSD is granted as the evidence shows a current diagnosis of PTSD, an in-service stressor, and a medical link between the two.
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