The Veteran's service-connected cervical spine spondylosis has been granted a disability rating of 30 percent effective June 20, 2023. The decision also grants increased ratings for the Veteran's right shoulder arthritis and left ankle sprain.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability manifested as the functional equivalent of 10 degrees of forward flexion with repeated use over time prior to June 20, 2023, but starting June 20, 2023, it manifested as the functional equivalent of 25 degrees of forward flexion with flare-ups. This change in function warranted a higher disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- radiculopathy, left upper extremity (major), radiculopathy, right upper extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 30%
- Decision date
- January 5, 2026
- Citation
- A26000527
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 A26000527.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions. The Board has remanded several of these claims due to new evidence received after the September 2023 rating decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right upper extremities due to a duty to assist error. Additional development is required, including PACT Act consideration and VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has dismissed the claims for left wrist disability, TBI, and lower back condition due to withdrawal by the Veteran's representative. The cervical injury, bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy service connection claims are remanded as new evidence supports reopening these claims.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.