The Board denied initial ratings in excess of 10 percent prior to September 18, 2019, and 20 percent from that date for laminectomy anterior fusion with discectomy/disc spacer with plate and screw fixation, discectomy at C4, C5 and C6. However, an initial rating of 30 percent was granted for a neck scar from June 10, 2020.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to limited range of motion and absence of ankylosis or functional equivalents. However, his neck scar met the criteria for a 30 percent rating starting from June 10, 2020.
- Claimed conditions
- laminectomy anterior fusion with discectomy/disc spacer with plate and screw fixation, discectomy at C4, C5 and C6, neck scar, painful scar, neck, radiculopathy, left upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 24, 2025
- Citation
- A25026821
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection and initial rating claims has been withdrawn by the Veteran.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed as a matter of law due to the proposed reductions being reversed after a finding of clear and unmistakable error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, pending implementation of an earlier effective date for urge incontinence.
- Dismissed
The appeal was dismissed due to the death of the appellant, and no substitute has been filed within the required timeframe.
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