The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spondylosis is denied as the evidence does not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine. The Veteran's left great toe strain and right knee strain are each rated at 20 percent, but no higher. The Veteran's RLS is rated at 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine, which would warrant a higher rating under Diagnostic Code 5243 (Cervical Spondylosis). The left great toe strain and right knee strain were each found to be moderately severe disabilities, warranting a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spondylosis, Left Great Toe Strain, Right Knee Strain, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 4, 2023
- Citation
- A23034398
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 A23034398.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's right and left knee strains, as well as shin splints, were granted increased ratings. The Veteran also received special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from October 25, 2017 to March 11, 2024.
- Granted
The Board has restored the Veteran's right knee disability rating from 10% to 30%, effective July 1, 2025, finding that the reduction was improper and constituted a de facto severance of service connection.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 10 percent for left ankle, bilateral knee, and left hip disability. The Veteran's initial 10 percent rating for left thigh strain with limitation of flexion is granted.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased disability evaluations and denied service connection for a bilateral shoulder condition. The Veteran was granted service connection for persistent depressive disorder.
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