The Veteran's cervical spine disability was rated at 10 percent prior to June 1, 2011 and increased to 20 percent thereafter.,Radiculopathy of the right upper extremity was initially evaluated as 20 percent disabling effective October 19, 2015. Radiculopathy of the left upper extremity was also rated at 20 percent effective that date.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations conducted throughout the appeal period did not consistently find evidence of radiculopathy in either arm prior to October 19, 2015.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Neck Strain with Degenerative Arthritis, Radiculopathy of the Right Upper Extremity, Radiculopathy of the Left Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 21, 2017
- Citation
- 1723148
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 1723148.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The claims are being returned for further development to obtain necessary medical records and ensure proper consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity have been granted initial ratings. The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and hip disorders, as well as radiculopathy of the upper extremities. The issues are related to whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to July 30, 2021.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.