The Veteran's claim for increased ratings and other benefits was denied. The rating for the Veteran's other specified trauma and stressor related disorder remains at 70 percent, while initial and subsequent ratings for cervical spine strain were granted but not higher than 30 percent. Separate ratings for left and right upper extremity radiculopathy were also granted.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to the Veteran's symptoms, which included pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in his cervical spine and upper extremities. The Veteran's psychiatric disorder was rated at 70 percent based on its impact on daily life.
- Claimed conditions
- Other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, Cervical spine strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- March 4, 2026
- Citation
- A26019244
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation A26019244.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim of service connection for a neck disorder, as it is insufficiently addressed in the previous decision. The case will be sent back for an addendum opinion.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for cervical spine strain, right wrist sprain, right knee strain, left knee strain, and right ankle strain. The disabilities are all deemed to have begun during the Veteran's active duty.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the issue of entitlement to service connection for PTSD, and found that service connection is granted for major depressive disorder and other specified trauma and stressor related disorders.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether the Veteran's acquired psychiatric disorder, including other specified trauma and stressor related disorder, is related to her military service. As a result, service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder is granted.
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