The Veteran's increased ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease and associated right and left upper extremity radiculopathy have been denied as his conditions do not meet the criteria for a higher rating under applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s cervical spine disability, along with its related radiculopathy of both upper extremities, does not demonstrate symptoms that warrant an increased rating beyond 20 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease of the Cervical Spine, Radiculopathy, Right Upper Extremity, Radiculopathy, Left Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- July 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19158151
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 19158151.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's PTSD is currently rated at 70 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating due to occupational and social impairment with deficiencies in most areas.,The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 10 percent. The evidence does not support a higher rating as there has been no significant change in his symptoms within the appeal period.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 70 percent for PTSD, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The Board granted an initial rating of 70 percent for PTSD prior to November 4, 2021, and a 50 percent rating for radiculopathy in the right upper extremity. The claims for higher ratings were denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, disability manifested by skin rash and lesions on feet and hands, respiratory disability manifested by difficulty breathing, disability manifested by muscle pain and cramping, and joint pain in arms and legs, and chronic headaches, all due to an undiagnosed illness.
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