The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability is currently evaluated at 20 percent, which adequately reflects the severity of his condition based on his range of motion and symptoms. He is also separately rated for radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s low back disability does not meet or approximate criteria warranting a higher evaluation as it does not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, nor does it show favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine. The radiculopathy is currently evaluated separately and appropriately.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine herniated disc, intervertebral disc syndrome, right sciatica, radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 18, 2014
- Citation
- 1436937
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 1436937.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to predecisional duty-to-assist errors, including inadequate medical opinions and missed VA examinations. The Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition is being returned to the RO for further action.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for intervertebral disc syndrome and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied as his conditions did not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 20 percent.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for service connection for a low back disability was granted effective May 13, 2024. The effective date is based on the date of receipt of her completed supplemental claim.
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