The Veteran's multilevel degenerative changes of the lumbar spine with radiculopathy have been rated at 20 percent since September 27, 2006. The Board found that his current disability does not warrant a higher rating as it has manifested by pain and limited motion.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability is currently evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine with a combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine not greater than 120 degrees, which corresponds to a 20 percent evaluation. The Board found that his current symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- multilevel degenerative changes of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 14, 2010
- Citation
- 1017997
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 1017997.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities and special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance, pending implementation of an earlier effective date for urge incontinence.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability based on the evidence of record.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for radiculopathy, as there was no evidence of a current diagnosis of radiculopathy.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the Veteran's claim for service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, IVDS, radiculopathy, and bulging disc to obtain a more thorough medical opinion.
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