The Veteran's cervical spine disability and upper extremity radiculopathy were denied as the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under VA rating criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability, when evaluated prior to December 13, 2019, did not demonstrate forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less and did not cause incapacitating episodes. After December 13, 2019, the evidence showed forward flexion of the cervical spine was 15 degrees or less, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical spine degenerative disc disease, Right upper extremity radiculopathy, Left upper extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- February 22, 2023
- Citation
- 23010923
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 23010923.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection was denied for a groin condition.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for earlier effective dates as they were received more than one year after her intent to file a claim, and no good cause extension was requested.
- 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.
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