The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine disability, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not warrant a higher rating based on the current evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that while the Veteran experienced pain and stiffness, his range of motion was within the 20% criteria. There were no findings of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to intervertebral disc syndrome.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical disc disease, Left upper extremity radiculopathy associated with cervical spine disability, Right upper extremity radiculopathy associated with cervical spine disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 31, 2015
- Citation
- 1513839
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 1513839.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's combined service-connected disabilities prevent him from securing or following a substantially gainful occupation, and therefore grants his claim for total disability based on individual unemployability.
- Granted
The Board has granted increased ratings for cervical spine disability, left and right upper extremity radiculopathy effective May 19, 2011. The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been rated based on their direct effects rather than any presumption or secondary connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates have been denied. The Board found that the criteria for higher ratings were not met, except for a March 29, 2013 effective date for service connection of right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for cervical disc disease, degenerative joint disease of the right shoulder, and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity due to inadequate VA examinations. The issues are inextricably intertwined as the rating assigned for one condition may affect another.
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