The Veteran's service-connected C7 radiculopathy involving the upper radicular group of the left arm is currently rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating for this condition. The Board has determined that a higher initial rating is not warranted.
The deciding factor: The August 2013 VA examination confirmed mild left C7 radiculopathy with moderate constant pain and mild numbness/paresthesias, but no evidence of more severe impairment such as muscle atrophy or significant sensory loss. The current 20 percent rating adequately reflects the Veteran's disability level.
- Claimed conditions
- C7 radiculopathy, left upper extremity paresthesia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 31, 2013
- Citation
- 1343510
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 1343510.
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.
- Dismissed
The veteran's appeal for higher ratings for left shoulder impingement syndrome and left upper extremity paresthesia was dismissed due to a late filing.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for tinnitus and denied an initial compensable rating for hypertension. The claims for initial disability ratings and service connection for right upper extremity paresthesia, left upper extremity paresthesia, bilateral hearing loss, and obstructive sleep apnea were remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a neck disability and denied an earlier effective date for the grant of service connection for intervertebral disc syndrome and lumbosacral strain. The claims for increased ratings were remanded.
- Dismissed
All appeals listed were dismissed due to the Veteran's death.
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.