The Veteran's claim for service connection for a nerve condition of the left upper extremity was denied. The appeal is also remanded for further development regarding service connection for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine. For the entire appeal period, entitlement to a 70 percent rating for depressive disorder and a 20 percent rating for right knee instability are granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's assertions regarding left upper extremity nerve condition were contradicted by medical records during service, thus failing to meet the criteria for service connection. The severity of his depressive disorder warranted a 70% rating, but not total disability due to occupational and social impairment being adequately addressed in the current evaluation.
- Claimed conditions
- Nerve condition of left upper extremity, Degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine (neck condition)
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 70%
- Decision date
- July 26, 2022
- Citation
- 22042423
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 22042423.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted eligibility for attorney fees based on past-due benefits awarded in a February 2024 rating decision, as it pertains to awards of higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and bilateral hallux valgus. The appeal was denied with respect to service connection for bilateral lower sciatic radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's headaches are at least as likely as not caused by his service-connected traumatic brain injury, and thus grants service connection for this condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for hypertension and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities due to insufficient medical opinions regarding their etiology.
- Granted
The Veteran's major depressive disorder is found to be caused by his service-connected low back and radiculopathy disabilities, which prevent him from doing enjoyable activities and daily living tasks.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.