The Board granted service connection for lumbar degenerative disc disease with moderate central spinal canal stenosis and assigned an initial disability rating of 20 percent, effective June 2006. The Veteran also received separate ratings for bilateral lumbar radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings supported the grant of a higher initial rating based on limitation of motion and associated neurologic impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease with moderate central spinal canal stenosis, bilateral lumbar radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 20, 2010
- Citation
- 1002879
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1002879.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that there was no evidence of a chronic disability related to service and that the Veteran's current condition is not causally connected to his military service.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining treatment records and adequate nexus opinions. The Veteran's claims for service connection for lumbar spine and cervical spine disabilities are now before the Board.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating and service connection was denied. The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is not characterized by ankylosis, and there is no evidence of bilateral radiculopathy.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for a lower back disorder, including lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and bilateral lumbar radiculopathy.
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