The Veteran's initial ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and radiculopathy in both lower extremities have been denied. The effective dates for the awards of service connection are set at October 21, 2010.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic code.
- Claimed conditions
- status post surgery for herniated intravertebral discs of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy in right lower extremity, radiculopathy in left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 19, 2014
- Citation
- 1422648
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 1422648.
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 Board has remanded the cases due to inadequate examinations and the need for additional development of medical evidence regarding the severity and impact of the Veteran's back, right ankle, and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded in several areas including separate ratings for radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities and entitlement to special monthly compensation due to a need for aid and attendance.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The Board has also remanded several issues, including the rating of PTSD and the issue of sleep apnea secondary to PTSD.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings and effective dates were granted, with the effective dates being determined based on the date of receipt of his informal claim or the earliest date as of which it is factually ascertainable that an increase in disability had occurred.
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