The Veteran's right knee disability, spondylolisthesis of the neck as secondary to cervical strain, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the neck as secondary to cervical strain, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy as secondary to cervical strain, and migraines have been granted service connection. The lower back strain (lumbosacral strain), middle back strain (thoracic strain), spinal stenosis as secondary to degenerative arthritis, spondylolisthesis, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy have also been granted service connection. The Veteran's claim for an increased disability rating for his already-service connected cervical spine condition has been denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports the grant of service connection for these conditions as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected cervical strain, due to its progressive nature.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Knee Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, Spondylolisthesis of the Neck, Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) of the Neck, Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy, Lower Back Strain (Lumbosacral Strain), Middle Back Strain (Thoracic Strain), Spinal Stenosis, Bilateral Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26000404
This is a plain-language summary generated by AI from a public Board of Veterans’ Appeals decision. It can contain errors — always verify against the original. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26000404.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea, Neck Disability, and Bilateral Upper Extremity Radiculopathy. The decision is based on the Veteran's active service and medical evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, including diagnosed degenerative arthritis with DDD other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis status post L3, L4, and L5 laminectomy. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury and his ongoing symptoms since then.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection for a psychiatric disorder, to include PTSD, and for a right knee condition are remanded due to duty-to-assist errors. The AOJ must attempt to verify the claimed stressor events and provide a VA examination.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine, lumbar disc disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral knee strains, residuals of a left ankle concussion, and bilateral pes cavus are found to be related to his obstructive sleep apnea. His claim for restoration of a 30 percent evaluation for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine is granted.
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