The Veteran's initial rating for cervical spine degenerative arthritis was denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating during the appeal period.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's range of motion and combined range of motion were within the limits required for a 10% rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine, and there was no evidence of additional functional loss or limitation of motion due to pain or other factors.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative arthritis, Degenerative arthritis, lumbar spine, Intervertebral disc syndrome, Spinal stenosis, Lumbar laminectomy and discectomy residuals
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 6, 2026
- Citation
- A26001153
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26001153.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a fungal infection of the feet, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and psychiatric condition due to lack of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating for his back disability is denied. The effective date remains March 29, 2021, as the earliest date of claim. An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the back disability from March 29, 2021, is also denied.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran seeks higher initial ratings for his back disability, but the VA examinations from the period under review are inadequate. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain an opinion as to the severity and manifestations of the Veteran's back disability during the period under review.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for intervertebral disc syndrome of the thoracolumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
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