The Board denied the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for her cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), finding that she did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the cervical spine at 15 degrees or less, ankylosis of the cervical spine, or incapacitating episodes totaling four weeks during any 12-month period.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 7, 2023
- Citation
- 23065015
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23065015.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's neck disability, diagnosed as cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), on a direct basis. The decision is based on credible lay evidence of onset in service and continuity of symptoms.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for initial ratings of her left shoulder strain and cervical spine disability due to new evidence or further clarification from the AOJ.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for cervical and lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left elbow sprain, right elbow enthesophyte, left knee strain and enthesophyte, right knee strain, and right leg radiculopathy but denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including PTSD.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent, but not higher, for a back disability; 30 percent, but not higher, for cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD), left hip disability, migraine headaches, sinusitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
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