The Veteran's cervical spine fracture with spondylosis is rated at 30 percent since the initial rating decision, effective from May 6, 2014. Separate ratings of 20 percent are assigned for radiculopathy affecting the right and left upper extremities from May 6, 2014 to April 21, 2015.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's findings supported a finding that the Veteran's cervical spine disability was manifested by pain with limited range of motion, which resulted in functional impairment such as difficulty driving and desk work after repeated use over time. The Veteran's radiculopathy also caused significant functional impairment affecting both upper extremities.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine fracture with spondylosis, Radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, Radiculopathy of the left upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- December 2, 2021
- Citation
- 21071996
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 21071996.
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 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,There is no current diagnosis of radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain did not result in this condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder and radiculopathy of the right upper extremity were denied due to lack of new and material evidence.,The effective date for the grant of service connection for these conditions was not earlier than April 22, 2016.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) prior to February 11, 2021 are dismissed as the issues remain pending in the Legacy system.
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