The Veteran's claim for a higher rating of his lumbar degenerative disc and joint disease was denied. He is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board found that he does not meet the criteria for an evaluation in excess of this rating. The claim for service connection for depression remains pending as it has been remanded to the RO. His claim for a TDIU was withdrawn by the Veteran.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor did it show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The Board found that his lumbar degenerative disc and joint disease has resulted in mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve (radiculopathy of the left lower extremity), warranting a separate 10 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc and joint disease, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 10, 2014
- Citation
- 1401293
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 1401293.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) due to service-connected disabilities, finding that his physical limitations could be accommodated by sedentary employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has denied service connection for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity and remanded the claim for adjustment disorder. The Veteran's radiculopathy is not shown to be related to his military service, while his adjustment disorder may be related to civilian life.
- Dismissed
The Board has dismissed all service connection claims and rating determinations due to the Veteran's withdrawal of his appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for low back disability and radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities due to a failure to provide adequate reasons or bases in the November 2024 decision as to whether the pre-decisional duty to assist had been satisfied.
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