The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease is rated at 20 percent since July 11, 2005. Separate 10 percent ratings are assigned for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy from that date.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows the Veteran has chronic orthopedic manifestations of lumbar degenerative disc disease without limitation of forward flexion to 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least four weeks but less than six weeks during any 12 month period. The Veteran's radiculopathy causes mild bilateral lower extremity symptoms warranting separate 10 percent ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- March 28, 2012
- Citation
- 1211206
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 1211206.
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.
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The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found the eligibility determination for PCAFC enrollment to be legally inadequate and remanded for a new medical opinion that adequately addresses the criteria for eligibility as set forth in VA regulations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.
- Granted
For the period prior to October 29, 2021, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) based on housebound status is denied.,For the entire appeal period, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on need of regular aid and attendance is granted.
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