The veteran's claim for an increased rating for his service-connected lumbar injury with lumbosacral degenerative disc disease was denied. The RO found that the veteran's orthopedic manifestations did not warrant a higher than 20 percent rating, and only mild sciatic peripheral neuropathy of each lower extremity warranted separate no more than 10 percent ratings.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner determined that the veteran had progressive lumbar degenerative disc disease causing pain, limited mobility, and weakness in his right leg. However, there were no incapacitating episodes requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician over the past year, which is necessary for higher rating under DC 5243.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral degenerative disc disease, sciatic peripheral neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- September 19, 2008
- Citation
- 0832210
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 0832210.
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.
- Denied
The Board found the reduction in disability evaluation from 40% to 20% was improper and void ab initio due to inadequate examination for reduction.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim of service connection for lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, finding that his current disabilities are related to his active duty service.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbosacral degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent, and his PTSD with depressive disorder and alcohol use disorder is rated at 70 percent. The Veteran also received a TDIU effective April 11, 2023, and SMC based on housebound status effective the same date.
- Partly granted
The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 20 percent for service-connected lumbosacral degenerative disc disease and granted a separate 10 percent disability rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with the same condition.
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