The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and an earlier effective date were denied. The Veteran is currently rated at 20 percent for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, with separate 10 percent evaluations for radiculopathy in both lower extremities.,An effective date prior to March 5, 2003, was not granted as the claim had been previously denied and reopened on new evidence.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes. The radiculopathy in his lower extremities also did not warrant a higher evaluation.,The effective date was not granted as the claim had been previously denied and reopened on new evidence, which is considered a new claim.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, neurological manifestation of the lower left extremity, neurological manifestation of the lower right extremity
- How they argued it
- Not specified
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2009
- Citation
- 0945271
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 0945271.
What this means for you
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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 service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, which is secondary to her degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, has been remanded due to a duty-to-assist error. The Board found that VA did not obtain private medical records from Hiro Chiropractic and Springfield Family Physicians, who treated the Veteran during the period on appeal.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted, with the exception of gastrointestinal disability other than umbilical hernia (including irritable bowel syndrome) and back disability. The Board found new evidence relevant to these claims.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeal for reductions in ratings for post operative left femur fracture with leg length discrepancy and chondromalacia residuals, and degenerative changes of the lumbar spine.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for service connection are remanded due to the need for additional medical records and opinions regarding the etiology of his ankle, knee, and leg disorders.
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