The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for his cervical strain and radiculopathy of the upper extremities have been denied. He is currently receiving a 20% rating for his cervical strain, and 30% and 40% ratings for his left and right upper extremity radiculopathy, respectively.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability evaluations are based on the criteria set forth in the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) based on Incapacitating Episodes. The current ratings do not meet the criteria for higher evaluations.
- Claimed conditions
- Status Post Remote Cervical Strain, Radiculopathy of the Left Upper Extremity, Radiculopathy of the Right Upper Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 28, 2022
- Citation
- 22071756
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 22071756.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded several claims related to the Veteran's service-connected conditions, including PTSD, cervical spine degenerative arthritis, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The claims are being returned for further development to obtain necessary medical records and ensure proper consideration.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, radiculopathy of the right upper extremity, and radiculopathy of the left upper extremity have been granted initial ratings. The Veteran has also been granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for various knee and hip disorders, as well as radiculopathy of the upper extremities. The issues are related to whether these conditions are at least as likely as not related to service.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities did not prevent him from securing and following substantially gainful employment prior to July 30, 2021.
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