The Veteran's lumbar strain with radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating is not sufficient to reflect his current disability level. His right knee strain with internal derangement is also rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a higher rating for either condition based on the criteria provided in the VA Rating Schedule.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 22, 2010
- Citation
- 1003232
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 1003232.
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 Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and sciatic nerve radiculopathy were denied increased ratings, except for a 10 percent rating granted from May 18, 2020 for obturator nerve radiculopathy in both lower extremities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining updated VA examinations and ensuring that all claims are properly adjudicated.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to insufficient evidence regarding his ability to secure or maintain substantially gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities. Additional medical records and Social Security Administration records are needed.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with radiculopathy, effective from February 28, 2003.
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