The Board denied the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for a cervical scar and an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for a cervical spine disability.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show that the Veteran's cervical scar met the criteria for a compensable rating, nor was there sufficient evidence to warrant a higher rating for his cervical spine disability based on functional loss due to pain and other factors.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical scar, Cervical degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis C5-6 and C6-7 and arthroplasty with cervical decompression C5-6 and C6-7 associated with degenerative disc disease other than intervertebral disc syndrome (cervical spine disability)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 19, 2025
- Citation
- A25044543
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD was granted a total disability rating from August 22, 2019, and special monthly compensation at the housebound rate from September 30, 2019. The Veteran is also granted individual unemployability based on service-connected disabilities from December 1, 2013.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for PTSD, cervical degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, and radiculopathies of the upper and lower extremities. A 30 percent rating was also granted for vertigo associated with TBI.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent evaluation for the Veteran's right upper and left upper extremity peripheral neuropathy, but denied an increased rating for cervical degenerative disc disease.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
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.