The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his lumbosacral strain and associated sciatic nerve disabilities has been denied. His current disability ratings are appropriate based on the severity of his symptoms as evaluated under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain does not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating at any point during the appeal period, including when considering functional loss due to pain. The associated mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve has also been rated appropriately based on its current severity.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, left-sided mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, right-sided mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 6, 2013
- Citation
- 1336049
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 1336049.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
- 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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