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 assigned
- 30%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation 22071756.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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