The Veteran's cervical spine disability is rated at 20 percent, the maximum schedular rating. The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy and left knee medial meniscus tear are each rated at 20 percent. Bilateral knee limitation of extension and flexion are each rated at 10 percent. Hypertension is rated at 10 percent. PTSD is rated at 30 percent, and headaches are rated at 30 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's cervical spine disability initially manifested by forward flexion of the cervical spine of greater than 15 degrees but not greater than 30 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the applicable criteria. The Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy and left knee medial meniscus tear are each rated at 20 percent as they meet the criteria for such ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- cervical strain with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 15, 2026
- Citation
- A26035026
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 A26035026.
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 claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error, and the case is inextricably intertwined with his TDIU claim.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew his appeal for increased ratings for hepatitis B and C with chronic fatigue, migraines, cervical strain with degenerative arthritis, and chronic cartilage fracture at junction of 10th and 11th right rib complex.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection for cervical strain with degenerative arthritis and headaches have been granted. The claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss is remanded, as are the TBI claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an effective date prior to February 4, 2020, for the award of increased ratings for his service-connected disabilities. The appeal is also remanded to obtain private treatment records from Dr. J.D.
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