The Veteran's initial higher ratings for DDD, lumbar spine have been granted and a separate compensable rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has also been granted.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed that the service-connected lumbar spine disorder was manifested by objective radiographic evidence of DDD with forward flexion limited to 50 degrees, and neurological impairment approximating moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. The Veteran's radiculopathy on the right side was also noted.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 25, 2011
- Citation
- 1103154
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 1103154.
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 an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine and an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for right lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy to correct duty to assist errors.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that additional development is needed for the issues of spine disability evaluation and TDIU, including a new VA examination to assess the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine condition.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to unresolved issues regarding the Veteran's service connection for lumbar spine disability, TDIU, and SMC. The claims are pending further development.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for DDD, lumbar spine was denied as the evidence did not show that his condition warranted a rating in excess of 10 percent prior to April 15, 2004 and 20 percent thereafter.
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