The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic code. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as her range of motion does not meet the criteria for an increased rating.,Both upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities are rated at 20 percent each, which is the maximum rating available under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted as there is no evidence of more severe impairment in either arm.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability and upper extremity radiculopathy disabilities are rated based on their respective Diagnostic Codes, which do not allow for an increased rating beyond the current levels.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine (neck) disability, Left upper extremity radiculopathy, Right upper extremity raduculpopathy, Lumbar spine (back) disability, Left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy, Left lower extremity femoral nerve raduculpopathy, Right lower extremity sciatic nerve raduculpopathy, Right lower extremity femoral nerve raduculpopathy, Left hip joint replacement, Right hip extension, Right hip flexion, Right hip abduction
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 22, 2021
- Citation
- 21076067
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 21076067.
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 low back disability is rated at 50 percent effective February 13, 2021. His left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 80 percent from April 21, 2013 to February 12, 2021. The Veteran's TDIU claim has an earlier effective date of April 21, 2013.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities has been granted. The Board found that the Veteran requires assistance with eating, dressing, hygiene needs, medication management, housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry.
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