The Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease (DDD) is rated at 30 percent effective from July 29, 2005. He also receives a separate rating of 10 percent for headaches secondary to his DDD.,Starting from October 2012, the Veteran's left arm radiculitis is rated at 40 percent and starting from February 16, 2016, it is rated at 70 percent. His left shoulder degenerative joint disease with history of thoracic outlet syndrome is rated at 30 percent effective from July 29, 2005.,The Veteran meets the schedular requirements for a TDIU as of October 2012.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran's cervical spine DDD more closely approximates the criteria for a 30 percent rating since July 29, 2005.,Starting from October 2012, his left arm radiculitis meets the criteria for a 40 percent rating under DC 8613. Starting from February 16, 2016, it meets the criteria for a 70 percent rating under DC 8613.,The Veteran's service-connected disabilities preclude him from obtaining and maintaining substantial gainful employment since October 5, 2012.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease of the Cervical Spine, Left Arm Radiculitis, Left Shoulder Degenerative Joint Disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 9, 2017
- Citation
- 1700492
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 1700492.
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
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's left shoulder condition, including degenerative joint disease and a rotator cuff tear, is currently rated at 20 percent. The Board found that the evidence does not support an increase in rating beyond this level.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, disability manifested by skin rash and lesions on feet and hands, respiratory disability manifested by difficulty breathing, disability manifested by muscle pain and cramping, and joint pain in arms and legs, and chronic headaches, all due to an undiagnosed illness.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) as the evidence did not establish that his service-connected disabilities had precluded him from obtaining and maintaining substantially gainful employment.
- Dismissed
The appeal for service connection and increased ratings for various conditions, including diabetes, erectile dysfunction, bilateral shoulder disability, hemorrhoids, and knee and ankle disabilities, was dismissed.
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