The Veteran's neck disability is rated at 20 percent, but a higher rating is denied. The effective date for TDIU prior to June 3, 2019 is also denied. Ratings for left shoulder and upper extremity radiculopathy are denied. Effective dates for these conditions are not granted either. Ratings for back, right knee, and left ankle disabilities remain at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's neck disability did not result in ankylosis or forward flexion limited to 15 degrees or less, nor did it cause any incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician. The evidence does not support higher ratings based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- neck disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 8, 2023
- Citation
- 23027339
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 23027339.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 claim for service connection of a neck disability due to pre-decisional error in not obtaining a VA examination and medical opinion.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for neck and back disabilities due to a lack of medical evidence supporting the Veteran's assertions. The VA will obtain an examination and provide an opinion on whether these disabilities are related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for left leg shin splints, right leg shin splints, back disability, and neck disability due to insufficient evidence in the record regarding these conditions.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for neck and back disabilities, finding that the Veteran's current conditions are related to his military service.
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