The Veteran's initial claim for higher ratings for cervical spine disability and left cervical radiculopathy was denied. The Veteran is not entitled to an increased rating for his service-connected conditions during the period of appeal.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of cervical spine, Left cervical radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- September 29, 2017
- Citation
- 1743653
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 1743653.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the claims for earlier effective dates and a compensable rating, as there was no evidence of an informal or formal claim prior to September 27, 2022.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional medical opinions are needed to address the etiology of the Veteran's claimed disabilities, particularly regarding secondary service connection. The claims for cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathy, lumbar spine disability, bilateral hip disabilities, and migraine headaches are being remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disorder and left cervical radiculopathy are granted service connection. The claim for an increased rating for left ankle degenerative joint disease is remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to ambiguities in the VA examination reports and the need for additional information regarding the Veteran's cervical spine disability.
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