The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes was denied. The claims for initial evaluations in excess of 10 percent for right and left leg radiculopathy were also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire spine, nor did it demonstrate moderately severe incomplete paralysis or marked muscle atrophy as required for higher ratings under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbar strain with degenerative changes, Right leg radiculopathy, Left leg radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- February 25, 2011
- Citation
- 1107586
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 1107586.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
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: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) due to weight gain caused by her service-connected cervical degenerative disc disease, lumbar facet arthrosis, left knee disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The decision resolves all reasonable doubts in favor of the Veteran.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine disorder, left leg radiculopathy, bilateral restless leg syndrome, and obstructive and central sleep apnea due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining adequate medical opinions.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 28, 2015.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a new examination and retrospective opinion due to deficiencies in previous VA examinations.
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