The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, secondary to service-connected DDD of the cervical spine, is rated at 40 percent. The Veteran's radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve), also secondary to service-connected DDD of the lumbosacral spine, is rated at 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s radiculopathy of the left upper and lower extremities are related to his service-connected cervical and lumbosacral spine conditions, resulting in moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 6, 2018
- Citation
- 18147870
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 18147870.
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 Veteran's cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of both upper extremities have been granted increased ratings, with the left upper extremity receiving a higher rating due to more severe symptoms.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,There is no current diagnosis of radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain did not result in this condition.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the severance of service connection for cervical spine disability and bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy was improper, as there is evidence indicating these conditions were incurred during service. The appeal is granted.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 30 percent, and the ratings for radiculopathy of both upper extremities are denied. The appeal is not about service connection but rather about rating determinations.
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.