The Board denied an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis of the cervical spine, as the Veteran's disability was found to be manifested by flexion greater than 30 degrees and a combined range of motion greater than 170 degrees.
The deciding factor: The decision was based on the findings from the May 2024 VA examination that showed full forward flexion to 45 degrees and a combined range of motion of 320 degrees, without muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- July 1, 2025
- Citation
- A25056679
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
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