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Denied

The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated as 40 percent disabling, and separate ratings of 40 percent each are granted for radiculopathy in both lower extremities.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The radiculopathy in both lower extremities is separately rated as 40 percent disabling each, based on the severity of symptoms.

Claimed conditions
Lumbar sprain with degenerative changes and limitation of motion, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity
How they argued it
Direct service connection
Exposure basis
None
Rating assigned
40%
Decision date
August 8, 2012
Citation
1227283

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 1227283.

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