The Board granted a rating of 40 percent for the back condition from April 13, 2017, and denied ratings in excess of 40 percent for the back condition and in excess of 30 percent for the neck condition.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were found to warrant a higher rating based on functional loss due to pain, but not enough to support a higher rating under the criteria for ankylosis or other severe limitation of motion.

Claimed conditions

back condition, neck condition

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

October 3, 2025

Citation

25012458

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