The Board denied a rating greater than 30 percent for the Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, but granted a 40 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy and a 30 percent rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy. The claims for service connection for a Parkinson's-like condition, earlier effective dates, and TDIU were denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to the absence of unfavorable ankylosis. However, his left upper extremity radiculopathy met the criteria for a 40 percent rating, while his right upper extremity radiculopathy met the criteria for a 30 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical strain with degenerative arthritis and intervertebral disc syndrome, left upper extremity radiculopathy, right upper extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, right lower extremity radiculopathy, Parkinson's-like condition, to include weakness and tremors
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 25, 2025
- Citation
- A25027231
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.
- Partly granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for TDIU and DEA, but denied increased ratings for various service-connected conditions.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent disability rating for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy from April 3, 2023 onward, but denied higher ratings prior to that date. Service connection was also granted for alcohol use disorder as secondary to PTSD with traumatic brain injury.
- Partly granted
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection and granted initial 40 percent ratings for left upper extremity CTS, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple disabilities, including cervical spine and thoracolumbar spine disabilities, radiculopathies, a bladder disability, headaches, a left knee disability, an acquired psychiatric disorder, and bilateral conjunctivitis. The Board also granted entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability.
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