The Board has granted a 60 percent disability evaluation for the veteran's degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with left shoulder radiculopathy and thoracic outlet syndrome, finding that his symptoms are most accurately characterized by the criteria set forth for this condition.
The deciding factor: The veteran's disability picture is characterized by chronic, constant neck pain, limited range of motion, and significant degenerative changes in the cervical spine. The VA examiner concluded that these symptoms align with the criteria for a 60 percent evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5293 (intervertebral disc syndrome).
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, left shoulder radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- August 16, 2000
- Citation
- 0021640
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 0021640.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's tinnitus and bilateral hearing loss are granted as service-connected. The Veteran's cervical spine disability is remanded for further examination to determine the current severity of his condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities require regular aid and attendance, which grants entitlement to special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance. The issue of entitlement to special monthly compensation at a housebound rate is moot due to the grant of aid and attendance.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from securing and maintaining substantially gainful employment since June 30, 2018. The Board has granted a TDIU effective July 1, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for right foot plantar fasciitis, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and left ankle fracture residuals are being remanded due to the need to obtain Social Security Administration (SSA) records.
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.