The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from March 3, 2009. His left leg sciatica remains at a 10 percent rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examination revealed that the Veteran's degenerative disc disease at L5-S1 resulted in flexion limited to 30 degrees and no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes, warranting a 40% evaluation under the criteria for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS). The left leg sciatica was rated as 10 percent disabling.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease at the L5-S1, Left Leg Sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- June 21, 2010
- Citation
- 1023062
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 1023062.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and TDIU were denied, but he was granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to PTSD.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there has not been substantial compliance with the remand directives and thus, another remand is needed before the Board can adjudicate these issues.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings for his service-connected back disability, right leg sciatica, and left leg sciatica were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on functional loss or pain, as well as lack of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.
- Denied
The Board has determined that the Veteran's cervical spine and low back disabilities, as well as his right and left leg sciatic neuropathies, were not incurred in or aggravated by service. The evidence does not support a finding of direct service connection for these conditions.
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