The Veteran's initial claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar degenerative disc disease and left leg radicular symptoms were granted, with the lumbar condition receiving a 20 percent rating effective June 14, 2007. The hearing loss claim was not addressed as it was determined to be untimely.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected conditions have been found to meet the criteria for the assigned ratings based on their current manifestations and without evidence of incapacitating episodes or ankylosis.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Left leg radicular symptoms with S1 nerve root compromise
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 9, 2012
- Citation
- 1223660
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 1223660.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities due to a duty to assist error. The effective date for DEA benefits is granted as May 1, 2014.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating for his back disability is denied. The effective date remains March 29, 2021, as the earliest date of claim. An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the back disability from March 29, 2021, is also denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability and right leg radiculopathy are granted service connection, but left leg radiculopathy is denied.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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