The Veteran's cervical strain and degenerative joint disease are granted service connection. The Veteran is awarded a 40 percent rating for Raynaud's syndrome, bilateral hands. Service connection for loss of strength in the right hand is granted.
The deciding factor: Service treatment records show the Veteran was assessed with a cervical strain following a motor vehicle accident and has continued to have neck pain since service. The March 2017 VA examination confirmed current diagnoses of cervical strain and degenerative disc disease, which are related to service. For Raynaud's syndrome, the Veteran reported characteristic attacks occurring at least daily, qualifying for a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 7117.
- Claimed conditions
- Cervical strain with degenerative joint disease, Raynaud's syndrome, bilateral hands, Loss of strength, 2nd digit right hand
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 4, 2024
- Citation
- A24029028
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 A24029028.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
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 three issues related to the Veteran's cervical spine disability, including a higher rating for cervical strain with degenerative joint disease and radiculopathy of both upper extremities. The TDIU claim is also being remanded due to its inextricability from these other claims.
- Granted
The Veteran's neck disability was granted a 30% rating beginning April 6, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating prior to this date.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for a low back condition, entitlement to increased ratings for cervical strain with degenerative joint disease and PTSD, and TDIU due to the need for further development.
- Denied
The Board has denied service connection for cervical strain with degenerative joint disease, lumbar back pain with degenerative changes, left upper extremity numbness and pain, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy as the evidence does not support a nexus to active service.
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