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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Search VA.gov for the original decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 0806505.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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