The Veteran's lumbar degenerative disc disease resulted in reduced range of motion prior to February 6, 2013, but not severe enough for ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome. Since then, the condition has been manifested by a combined range of motion of at least 130 degrees.,The Veteran's right leg nerve damage (sciatica) associated with his lumbar degenerative disc disease was initially rated as moderate incomplete paralysis since February 27, 2012.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating prior to February 6, 2013. Since then, it has been manifested by reduced range of motion but not severe enough for ankylosis or intervertebral disc syndrome.,The Veteran's right leg nerve damage (sciatica) associated with his lumbar degenerative disc disease was initially rated as moderate incomplete paralysis since February 27, 2012.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease, right leg nerve damage (sciatica)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 11, 2014
- Citation
- 1426446
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 1426446.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure and follow substantially gainful employment prior to August 14, 2023.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for migraines, lumbar degenerative disc disease with associated lower extremity radiculopathy, and right and left lower extremity radiculopathy. Service connection is denied for left hip strain and right hip strain.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition was denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for right lower extremity radiculopathy associated with his lumbar spine disability was also denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.,The Veteran's claim for a postoperative back scar related to his service-connected lumbar spine disability was denied in December 2009, and the effective date of this denial is May 8, 2013.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including bilateral pes planus with right great toe hallux limitus; bilateral upper extremity radiculopathy; obstructive sleep apnea; cervical degenerative arthritis, disc disease, spinal stenosis, and C4-C7 fusion; left shoulder strain; lumbar degenerative disc disease; right shoulder strain; right knee tendonitis; left knee tendonitis; painful right neck scar; tinnitus; right lower extremity polyneuropathy; and left lower extremity polyneuropathy render him unable to secure or follow any substantially gainful occupation.
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