The Board granted an initial 20 percent rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease but denied higher ratings for right and left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability was more accurately characterized by forward flexion limited to less than 30 degrees, warranting a 20 percent initial rating. The evidence did not support moderate incomplete paralysis of the upper extremities for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical spine degenerative disc disease, right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 12, 2024
- Citation
- A24073708
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher rating in excess of the current ratings for various musculoskeletal conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board restored the 50% rating for cervicogenic headaches and the 40% rating for right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, effective February 1, 2025, as the reductions were not proper. The reduction of the left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy to 0% was upheld.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, left and right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and generalized anxiety disorder to correct pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on aid and attendance/housebound status due to a lack of evidence showing that her service-connected disabilities rendered her in need of regular aid and attendance or housebound.
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