The veteran's initial claim for a higher rating was denied, and he is currently receiving a 30 percent rating for his cervical spine disability.
The deciding factor: The veteran's symptoms prior to September 26, 2003 did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on orthopedic impairment alone. From September 26, 2003 forward, he is in receipt of a separate 20 percent rating for radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative disc disease and stenosis, Radiculopathy of the left upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- February 26, 2008
- Citation
- 0806505
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 0806505.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of both upper extremities have been granted increased ratings, with the left upper extremity receiving a higher rating due to more severe symptoms.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,There is no current diagnosis of radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain did not result in this condition.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy was improper, as there is evidence indicating these conditions were incurred during service. The appeal is granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, and the ratings for radiculopathy of both upper extremities are denied. The appeal is not about service connection but rather about rating determinations.
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