Veterans’ RightsAn independent resource for veterans
← All decisions
Denied

The Veteran's back disability was not manifested by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less for the appeal period from September 16, 2008 to June 19, 2018. However, as of June 20, 2018, her limitation of range of motion approximated a level contemplated by a 40% disability rating.,The Veteran's neck disability was not manifested by forward flexion between 15 degrees and 30 degrees; or a combined range of motion of less than 170 degrees; or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in abnormal gait or spinal contour.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support the assignment of higher ratings due to functional limitations caused by pain, as they did not meet the requirements for a higher disability rating specified in § 4.71a.

Claimed conditions
Back Disability, Neck Disability
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
20%
Decision date
August 1, 2023
Citation
23041978

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 23041978.

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.

Free starter guide for your own claim

Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.

We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.

We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.

This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.