CAVC Case 20-3257: Cervical
CAVCReal U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) decision · 2020-02-06 · LAURER, Judge
This is a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims — the federal court that reviews Board of Veterans' Appeals decisions, one level above the Board. Court decisions can vacate, reverse, or affirm what the Board did.
Official 2026 VA monthly compensation, including the 2.8% COLA increase.
Dependent add-ons start at a 30% rating. Child-only and dependent-parent rates: see the full 2026 pay chart.
2026 base rates, all ratings (veteran alone)
| Rating | Monthly (2026, incl. 2.8% COLA) |
|---|---|
| 10% | $180.42 |
| 20% | $356.66 |
| 30% | $552.47 |
| 40% | $795.84 |
| 50% | $1,132.90 |
| 60% | $1,435.02 |
| 70% | $1,808.45 |
| 80% | $2,102.15 |
| 90% | $2,362.30 |
| 100% | $3,938.58 |
Conditions Claimed
CervicalKneeShoulderHeadacheTDIUArthritis
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Issues on Appeal
Service ConnectionReopenKnee ConditionIncreased Rating
Why It Was Decided This Way
LAURER, Judge : United States Army veteran appeals,through counsel,a February 6,2020,Board of Veterans�Appeals (Board)decision determining that there was no new and material evidence to warrant reopening his service connection claim for a right shoulder disorder and denying service connection for (1)a chest disorder and (2)a right knee disorder,to include as secondary to a left knee disability.
1 The Secretary concedes that remand is warranted for the Board to provide adequate reasons or bases addressing whether appellant has submitted new and material evidence sufficient to reopen his claim for a right shoulder disorder.
The Board found that appellant submitted new and material evidence to reopen his service connection claims for (1)a neck disorder,(2)a right knee condition,to include as secondary to a left knee disability,and (3)migraines.
Board erred when it did not explain whether appellant had presented new and material evidence on the issue of current disability under Saunders v.
4 Because the evidence submitted by appellant was new and material,the Court finds that the Board clearly erred in concluding that appellant failed to meet the criteria for reopening his claim.
Addressing his claim for a chest disorder, appellant argues that the Board failed to consider Saunders and whether his reports of pain and stiffness could constitute a disability absent a diagnosis.
Right Shoulder Disorder VA will reopen a claim from a final decision if the veteran presents new and material evidence.
11 At bottom,new and material evidence cannot be the same evidence that was before VA previously and must raise �a reasonable possibility of substantiating the claim.
Authorities Cited
Denial Type
Non Denial Outcome
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