The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, a rating in excess of 20 percent prior to April 4, 2007, and in excess of 40 percent since April 4, 2007, for his low back disability, and entitlement to TDIU.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not establish service connection for the claimed conditions due to lack of a nexus between current radiculopathy and service or service-connected low back disability. The Veteran's low back disability was found to be stable with no ankylosis or flexion limitation, thus precluding higher ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative disc disease, lumbar radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 16, 2013
- Citation
- 1312600
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 1312600.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's rheumatoid arthritis disability rating is being remanded for additional development due to significant weight loss and anemia.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, including degenerative arthritis and IVDS. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury during active duty and his continuous symptoms since then.
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