The Veteran's claim for an increased evaluation for his service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis, left and right lumbar radiculopathy has been granted. The initial evaluations of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability and 10 percent each for the associated left and right lumbar radiculopathies are effective February 19, 2003.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine osteoarthritis was initially evaluated as 10 percent disabling prior to September 26, 2003. Effective that date, the disability is rated at 40 percent under Diagnostic Code 5292 for intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbosacral spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine, Left lumbar radiculopathy, Right lumbar radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 21, 2012
- Citation
- 1206447
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 1206447.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities combine to preclude substantially gainful employment, and the Board has granted a TDIU.
- Granted
The Board has granted a higher initial rating of 20 percent for right lower extremity lumbar radiculopathy, finding moderate severity symptoms throughout the appeal period.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for further development and to correct duty-to-assist errors related to the Veteran's back condition, left leg pain, hypertension, tinnitus, knee strain, and sleep apnea.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for a neck disability and a back disability, but denied service connection for BPPV. The right lumbar radiculopathy was also granted as secondary to the back disability.
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