The Board granted an increased initial rating of 20 percent for thoracic muscle strain but denied a higher rating. The claim for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy was denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracic muscle strain met the criteria for a 20 percent rating, while her left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

Thoracic muscle strain, Left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

December 4, 2025

Citation

A25104639

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine