The Veteran's cervical spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 30 percent, and the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show forward flexion of the cervical spine was actually limited to 15 degrees or less, so as to warrant assignment of a 30 percent rating under DC 5242. Additionally, there were no incapacitating episodes warranting a higher rating under the formula for rating IVDS based on incapacitating episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, Right shoulder strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 30, 2020
- Citation
- A20019417
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 A20019417.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as there is no evidence that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right shoulder strain, finding that the Veteran's condition began during his military service and is related to an in-service injury.
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