The Veteran's initial claim for a higher rating for cervical spine disability was denied. However, he was granted separate ratings of 20 percent each for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy associated with his service-connected cervical spine disability from March 13, 2017. He was also granted a separate rating of 30 percent for left upper extremity radiculopathy from November 4, 2019. Service connection for headaches as a neurological abnormality associated with his service-connected cervical spine disability was also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's initial claim for an increased rating for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine was denied because his symptoms did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable VA rating schedule. Separate ratings were granted for right and left upper extremity radiculopathy associated with service-connected cervical spine disability, but no separate rating was granted for headaches as they are considered part of the same condition.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, Headaches
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- April 8, 2020
- Citation
- 20024066
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 20024066.
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: Denied
The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine, finding that there is no nexus between the current disability and active duty service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection due to a duty to assist error, specifically regarding whether the Veteran's current conditions are aggravated by his service-connected DDD of the lumbosacral spine. The AOJ is required to obtain new medical opinions addressing this issue.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for initial compensable ratings for obstructive sleep apnea and headaches, finding that the evidence does not support a finding of persistent daytime hypersomnolence or other manifestations consistent with a compensable disability rating under the criteria established by Diagnostic Codes. The matter is remanded to obtain additional information from the Veteran regarding his headaches and their impact on his daily life.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's OSA is granted as secondary to PTSD, but his headaches are denied due to lack of service connection.
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