The Veteran's initial rating for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity prior to February 22, 2022 was denied.,An increased rating in excess of 40 percent for radiculopathy of the left upper extremity from February 22, 2022 is also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not show complete paralysis.,The Veteran's symptoms were described as severe constant pain and moderate numbness of the left middle radicular group. The Board found that these symptoms more nearly approximated severe incomplete paralysis, which is not sufficient to warrant a 40 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Radiculopathy of the left upper extremity, Cervical spine degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 8, 2023
- Citation
- 23049632
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 23049632.
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.
- 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 cervical spine disability and radiculopathy of both upper extremities have been granted increased ratings, with the left upper extremity receiving a higher rating due to more severe symptoms.
- Denied
The Veteran's cervical strain is currently rated at 10 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,There is no current diagnosis of radiculopathy of the left upper extremity. The Veteran's service-connected cervical strain did not result in this condition.
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