The Board granted a 30 percent evaluation for left upper extremity radiculopathy, denied an increased rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy, restored the 20 percent rating for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, and granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability.
The deciding factor: The evidence supported moderate incomplete paralysis in both left and right upper extremities, warranting a 30 percent evaluation for the left and denying an increased rating for the right. The reduction of the cervical spine rating was improper, and TDIU was granted due to service-connected conditions rendering the Veteran unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Left upper extremity radiculopathy, Right upper extremity radiculopathy, Cervical spine degenerative disc disease (neck disability), Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- June 4, 2025
- Citation
- A25049214
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 service connection for a separate 50 percent initial rating for insomnia as secondary to tinnitus, and denied an increased rating for tinnitus. The Board also granted service connection for headache disability, low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, cervical spine disability, and right upper extremity radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the appeal for additional development, including a retrospective opinion regarding range of motion during flare-ups and requesting evidence pertaining to the Veteran's annual income prior to January 2010.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the cervical spine disability, a 30 percent rating for left upper extremity radiculopathy, and restored a 40 percent rating for right upper extremity radiculopathy.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial compensable rating for a residual scar from cervical fusion on the basis of disfigurement and granted an initial 10 percent rating based on pain. The Board also denied initial ratings in excess of 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome of the cervical spine with spinal fusion and stenosis, as well as right and left upper extremity radiculopathy.
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