The Veteran's service-connected lumbar strain with mechanical low back pain and degenerative changes, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are all rated at 20 percent. The Veteran's residuals of a left knee contusion with patellofemoral syndrome and chondromalacia are also rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s service-connected lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the lower extremities, and left knee disability have all been evaluated based on their respective diagnostic codes under the general rating formula for diseases and injuries of the spine. The criteria for these evaluations do not support a higher rating as they are all rated at 20 percent or 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar strain with mechanical low back pain and degenerative changes, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, Residuals of a left knee contusion with patellofemoral syndrome and chondromalacia
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 29, 2011
- Citation
- 1131780
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 1131780.
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 extraschedular ratings for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to February 3, 2011.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it warrants a rating of 40 percent throughout the appeal period.,Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability is granted. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating will be remanded for further evaluation.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 70% effective from February 11, 2010.,Entitlement to an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted based on the evidence provided.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.