The Veteran's initial rating for a cervical strain (neck disability) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of limited forward flexion or ankylosis.,The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar spondylosis (back disability) is denied as the evidence does not support a finding of limited forward flexion or ankylosis.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain (neck disability), Lumbar spondylosis (back disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 2, 2022
- Citation
- 22005717
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 22005717.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for service connection for degenerative arthritis of spine and cervical strain due to insufficient medical opinion regarding direct, secondary, or aggravation causation.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied initial ratings in excess of 30 percent for generalized anxiety disorder, and in excess of 20 percent for a lumbosacral strain (back disability) and cervical strain (neck disability), as well as separate ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy. A rating of 30 percent was granted for the neck disability starting from May 22, 2022.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple back, neck, and upper/lower extremity disabilities as well as depression. The TBI claim was denied.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for TMJ dysfunction with arthritis, cervical strain (neck disability), lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with arthritis, right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome, tension headaches, and left thigh impairment. However, a 20 percent rating was granted for left lower radiculopathy involving the sciatic nerve.
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