The VA denied the veteran's claim for an increased rating of her herniated nucleus pulposus, finding that the evidence did not support a higher than 40 percent evaluation.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show ankylosis or pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome with persistent symptoms compatible with sciatic neuropathy. The veteran's range of motion was essentially normal and she had no incapacitating episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome requiring bedrest.
- Claimed conditions
- Herniated nucleus pulposus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 18, 2006
- Citation
- 0629665
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 0629665.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, thus granting a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a Total Disability Rating Based on Individual Unemployability (TDIU) prior to January 17, 2018, finding that his service-connected conditions did not preclude him from securing and following substantially gainful employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's back disability and sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are rated at 20 percent each, effective March 3, 2018.,The Veteran's right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy is rated at 20 percent, effective September 3, 2016. The Veteran's right lower extremity femoral radiculopathy and left lower extremity femoral radiculopathy are both rated at 20 percent, effective March 3, 2018.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is remanded for a retrospective medical opinion on additional loss of range of motion due to flare-ups, and for an extraschedular rating. The Veteran may also be scheduled for an aid and attendance examination.
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