The Board granted an increased rating of 20 percent for the Veteran's cervical spine degenerative disc disease, effective March 25, 2011. The claim was remanded due to a need for additional examination and is now back before the Board.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations conducted in February 2016 found that the Veteran's cervical spine DDD did not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code, including those related to ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 12, 2017
- Citation
- 1700996
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 1700996.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine DDD and IVDS are rated at 30% prior to September 28, 2021, but not higher.,The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy is rated at 20% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's left knee degenerative joint disease is rated at 10% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's vasomotor rhinitis is rated at 10% from February 3, 2023, onwards.,The Veteran's obstructive sleep apnea does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), Hiatal Hernia and Diverticulitis are rated at 30%.
- Granted
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 100 percent due to total occupational and social impairment, and he is entitled to special monthly compensation (SMC) based on his service-connected disabilities.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial evaluation not to exceed 30 percent for adjustment disorder with mixed anxiety and depressed mood for the period prior to August 8, 2023, but denied a higher rating since that date. The other service connection claims were remanded.
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