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 assigned
- None in this 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 22005717.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple back, neck, and upper/lower extremity disabilities as well as depression. The TBI claim was denied.
- 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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