The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 20 percent for right upper extremity radiculopathy is denied as the disability is primarily manifested by sensory disturbance and pain, with no evidence showing impairment of motor functions or other neurological changes.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not show impairment of motor functions, trophic changes, loss of reflexes, muscle atrophy, or complete paralysis. The level of impairment is most analogous to mild incomplete paralysis of the upper radicular group.
- Claimed conditions
- radiculopathy, right upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 6, 2024
- Citation
- 24010705
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 24010705.
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 Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions. The Board has remanded several of these claims due to new evidence received after the September 2023 rating decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right upper extremities due to a duty to assist error. Additional development is required, including PACT Act consideration and VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the claims for left wrist disability, TBI, and lower back condition due to withdrawal by the Veteran's representative. The cervical injury, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy service connection claims are remanded as new evidence supports reopening these claims.
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.