The veteran's claim for higher ratings for his lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy of the lower extremities has been denied. The highest rating assigned is 40 percent for limitation of motion of the lumbar spine, effective September 23, 2002.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating based on the current manifestations of the veteran's disability since September 23, 2002.
- Claimed conditions
- {"condition_name":"Limitation of motion of the lumbar spine","neurological_complication":null,"other_conditions":null}, {"condition_name":"Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (RLE)","neurological_complication":"Numbness of the RLE and foot and right heel pain","other_conditions":null}, {"condition_name":"Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE)","neurological_complication":"Numbness of the LLE and foot and left heel pain","other_conditions":null}
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2006
- Citation
- 0603034
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
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