The Veteran's cervical spine disability, rated at 20 percent since December 4, 2019, is found to be less than the required for a higher rating due to limited range of motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's forward flexion was limited to 25 degrees and did not meet the criteria for ankylosis or incapacitating episodes resulting in a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 17, 2026
- Citation
- A26014143
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 A26014143.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims due to duty-to-assist errors and the need for additional medical opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's disabilities, including their relationship to service.
- Granted
The Board granted an effective date of June 29, 2023 for the grant of service connection for degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome and radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient evidence regarding whether the Veteran's back disability is related to service, including repetitive strain during service.
- Granted
The Veteran is unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities, which include degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, tinnitus, right hip disability, left hip disability, right knee disability, left ankle disability, right ankle disability, bilateral hearing loss, allergic rhinitis, left sciatic radiculopathy, reactive airway disease, a right knee baker's cyst, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, left inguinal herniorrhaphy, and chronic maxillary sinusitis. The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for eligibility to individual unemployability.
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