The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease, finding that his condition more nearly approximated no worse than forward flexion of the cervical spine at least 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees when considering pain and functional loss.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s cervical spine disability did not result in spinal ankylosis or the functional equivalent of spinal ankylosis, nor did he experience incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) having a total duration of at least 6 weeks during a 12-month period.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine strain with degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 8, 2022
- Citation
- 22062644
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 22062644.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an earlier effective date of June 5, 2022, for the award of a 100 percent disability rating for PTSD and granted special monthly compensation at the statutory housebound rate from that same date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for higher ratings for his service-connected neck disability is denied. The case is remanded to determine the appropriate rating and service connection for headaches.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD and bilateral knee disorders, rendered him unable to work in any active or sedentary position he might have been able to obtain with his background. The Board has granted an effective date of January 19, 2011 for the TDIU.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's cervical spine disability and associated arm radiculopathy were found to not warrant higher ratings, with the exception of a remanded issue regarding right knee service connection. The case was also remanded for individual unemployability determination.
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