The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 20 percent, and he is granted a separate compensable rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy. The left lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine does not meet or approximate criteria for a higher evaluation as it allows for forward flexion greater than 30 degrees, with no additional loss of motion on repetitive use. The right lower extremity radiculopathy is associated with mild incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine, Fibromyalgia of the cervical spine, shoulders, and legs
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 2, 2011
- Citation
- 1108209
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 1108209.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 10 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome and a rating in excess of 50 percent for posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for obstructive sleep apnea, a left ankle disability, and an initial rating greater than 20 percent for intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine. The Board found that there was no evidence supporting these claims.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher initial staged ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy, as well as his TDIU claim prior to May 10, 2022, are being remanded due to incomplete development. The AOJ is instructed to obtain SSA records and schedule a VA examination for the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's degenerative changes at L5-S1 and intervertebral disc syndrome of the lumbar spine as secondary to his service-connected abdominal muscle strain.
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