The Board denied a rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine and a rating in excess of 10 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity prior to June 3, 2022.

The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a finding that the Veteran had more severe limitation of motion than flexion to 20 degrees even considering repeated use over time and flare-ups. The increase in severity was based on radicular symptoms, not cervical spine symptoms or range of motion limitations.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) of the cervical spine, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 25, 2025

Citation

25004032

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