The Veteran's low back disability is currently rated at 20 percent, and he does not meet the criteria for a higher rating. He was granted a separate 10% evaluation for his radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s forward flexion did not reach 30 degrees or less, which is required for a disability evaluation in excess of 20 percent under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. His radiculopathy was separately evaluated as it met criteria for an additional rating.
- Claimed conditions
- annular tear of L4 and L5 with degenerative disc disease of L5-S1, radiculopathy of left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- October 18, 2011
- Citation
- 1138647
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 1138647.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the appeal of the issue regarding radiculopathy of left lower extremity. The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with spondylolisthesis, right shoulder impingement syndrome, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are all granted as secondary to service-connected conditions.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain and a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, effective January 29, 2024 to June 2, 2025.
- Partly granted
The Board reinstated the 40 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and radiculopathy of right lower extremity. It also granted a 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and effective dates of June 27, 2018, for TDIU and DEA.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected back disability requires regular aid and attendance, which has been granted SMC.
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