The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied. Service connection was not granted because the Veteran does not have a current psychiatric or sleep disorder, while her left shoulder and cervical spine disabilities are rated based on their current manifestations rather than separate diagnoses. The rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy remains at 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions do not meet the criteria for increased ratings as they do not demonstrate a current disability or impairment that warrants higher evaluations under applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Psychiatric and/or sleep disorder (claimed as insomnia)"}, {"condition_name":"Left shoulder disability"}, {"condition_name":"Cervical spine disability"}, {"condition_name":"Left upper extremity radiculopathy"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 4, 2019
- Citation
- 19100844
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, effective from the date of the February 2025 rating decision.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a medical examination to determine if the Veteran's current neck strain is related to his in-service activities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD due to an inadequate medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for myasthenia gravis based on the Veteran's exposure to hazardous substances during his military service.
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