The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for cervical spine disability, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA regulations.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran had pain on motion but maintained sufficient range of motion to qualify for a 20% disability rating based on the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative joint disease, Left upper extremity radiculopathy, Right upper extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 9, 2021
- Citation
- 21013509
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 21013509.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a cervical spine disability with left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that there was no evidence of an in-service injury or chronic condition. The Board concluded that the Veteran did not meet the criteria for direct service connection.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection were denied as the increase in severity of his conditions was not factually ascertainable within one year prior to March 30, 2023.,The effective dates for the grants of service connection for left knee instability and right knee instability are also denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there were duty to assist errors and remanded the case for further development, including a new examination of the Veteran's cervical spine disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
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