The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is granted with a rating of 20 percent effective October 18, 2013. The issue of service connection for cervical neck strain has been reopened and granted.
The deciding factor: New evidence received since the September 2009 denial provided a plausible nexus to service through his already-service connected psychological disability.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Hearing Loss","status":"Not Applicable"}, {"condition_name":"Cervical Neck Strain","status":"Reopened"}, {"condition_name":"Major Depressive Disorder with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder in Full Sustained Remission","status":"Not Applicable"}, {"condition_name":"Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy","status":"Granted"}, {"condition_name":"Right Shoulder Arthritis","status":"Not Applicable"}, {"condition_name":"Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)","status":"Not Applicable"}, {"condition_name":"Right Hand Arthritis","status":"Not Applicable"}, {"condition_name":"Left Hand Arthritis","status":"Not Applicable"}, {"condition_name":"Chapter 35 Education Benefits","status":"Granted"}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2019
- Citation
- 19195127
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 19195127.
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 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.
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.