The Veteran's cervical spine disability and radiculopathies were granted increased ratings, with the cervical spine disability receiving a 20% rating prior to April 1, 2022, and a 30% rating since then. The right upper extremity radiculopathy received a 40% rating since April 1, 2022, and the left upper extremity radiculopathy received a 30% rating since that date. TDIU was also granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine disability and associated radiculopathies were found to meet the criteria for increased ratings based on their functional impairment as determined by VA examinations and medical records, with the most recent evaluations showing significant limitations in range of motion and pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical Spine Disability, Right Upper Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Upper Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- November 23, 2022
- Citation
- 22065812
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 22065812.
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, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for TMD, cervical spine disability, and FSAD have been denied.,An earlier effective date prior to August 2, 2022, for the award of service connection for these conditions has also been denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is likely due to his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions, with tramadol use possibly causing the condition by October 25, 2012. The effective date for ED will be remanded.,Due to the inextricably intertwined nature of the issues, including the need to determine if tramadol caused ED prior to August 30, 2013, the SMC issue is also remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 30 percent for the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy, finding that the evidence did not show severe incomplete paralysis.
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.