The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected cervical spine disability was granted, and he is now rated at 20 percent effective August 1, 2011. He also received separate ratings for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy secondary to the cervical spine disability.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability resulted in significant functional impairment, including pain, stiffness, weakness, and sensory deficits, which were confirmed by multiple medical examinations and imaging studies. The VA examinations showed limited range of motion and associated symptoms such as numbness and tingling in both upper extremities. These findings supported the need for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- gonococcal arthritis of the cervical spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 22, 2015
- Citation
- 1517210
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 1517210.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
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