The Veteran was granted an increased initial disability rating of 30 percent for a neck disability, and SMC based on the need for aid and attendance from April 27, 2013 to July 14, 2020. The claims for higher ratings for left and right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy were denied.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's neck disability manifested in symptoms which approximated limitation of forward flexion of the cervical spine to 15 degrees or less, warranting a 30 percent rating; however, there was no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis of the entire cervical spine or entire spine, preventing a higher rating. The radiculopathy did not meet criteria for a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

neck disability, left upper extremity cervical radiculopathy, right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

October 9, 2025

Citation

A25087648

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