The Board has granted a disability rating of 60 percent for the residuals of a low back injury with radiculopathy, effective from the day following the veteran's separation from service. Ratings in excess of 20 percent have been denied for right shoulder strain and left shoulder strain, and ratings in excess of 10 percent have been denied for right carpal tunnel syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome.
The deciding factor: The residuals of a low back injury with radiculopathy are manifested by persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy with little intermittent relief, productive of pronounced disability, without evidence of interference with employment beyond that contemplated by the 60 percent disability rating. The ratings for right shoulder strain and left shoulder strain have been granted effective July 30, 1999, based on complaints of pain and limited motion. Ratings in excess of 10 percent were denied as there was no evidence of interference with employment beyond that contemplated by the current ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back injury with radiculopathy, Right shoulder strain, Left shoulder strain, Right carpal tunnel syndrome, Left carpal tunnel syndrome
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- October 11, 2000
- Citation
- 0027048
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 0027048.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for right carpal tunnel syndrome is denied as the award was granted in a separate claim filed after the initial increase rating appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted an effective date of May 26, 2011 for a TDIU on an extra-schedular basis.,The Veteran is also granted an effective date of May 26, 2011 for eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based upon individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities (TDIU) as there is no evidence that he is unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected conditions leave her in need of regular aid and attendance, which is granted for special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance.
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