The Board denied a higher disability rating for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative joint disease, finding that it did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to August 18, 2022.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed that the Veteran's range of motion was within normal limits with occasional limitations due to pain and repetitive use, but never reaching the level required for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative joint disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 13, 2026
- Citation
- 26000454
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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 26000454.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the increase in severity of his conditions was not factually ascertainable within one year prior to March 30, 2023.,The effective dates for the grants of service connection for left knee instability and right knee instability are also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors and remanded the case for further development, including a new examination of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected orthopedic disabilities was granted.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative joint disease, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left upper extremity radiculopathy, lumbar spine degenerative joint disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy but denied an increased rating for bilateral hearing loss.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
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.