The Veteran's service-connected cervical DDD and radiculopathy have been rated at the maximum available rating of 20 percent, and no higher. The Board finds that his symptoms do not warrant a higher evaluation.
The deciding factor: The March 2005 VA examination report indicated forward flexion limited to 30 degrees with complaints of pain, which aligns with the current 20% rating assigned for cervical DDD. For radiculopathy, the examiner noted no more than mild incomplete paralysis in the right upper extremity.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, Cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 25, 2014
- Citation
- 1437817
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1437817.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to the need for a VA examiner's opinion regarding whether his service-connected disabilities result in loss of use and if so, whether he requires aid and attendance without considering such disability/ies. The Veteran also needs to be considered for SMC R1 based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the service connection of cervical radiculopathy of both upper extremities, but denied earlier effective dates for degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine, headaches, and TBI.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine and a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to June 3, 2022.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for cervical radiculopathy of the right upper extremity and a 30 percent rating for cervical radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, but denied an increased rating for the cervical spine disability.
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