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 assigned
- 70%
- 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. Look up the original decision on VA.gov (opens in a new tab) using citation A26019244.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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