The Veteran's combined effect of service-connected left trapezius muscle strain and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy did not result in a loss of use of both hands prior to March 5, 2014. Therefore, he is not entitled to a 100 percent schedular evaluation under Diagnostic Code 5109 for the combined effect of service-connected left trapezius muscle strain and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy prior to March 5, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions did not result in a loss of use of both hands prior to March 5, 2014.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Trapezius Muscle Strain, Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1737636
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 1737636.
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 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.
- 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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities, finding that there was no persuasive evidence showing he needed regular aid and assistance from another person or was housebound as a result of his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU effective date is granted as of June 1, 2009. The Board found that the functional impairment from his service-connected disabilities prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since that date.
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