The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbar disc herniation and right leg sciatica associated with the condition were denied. The Veteran was awarded a separate compensable evaluation for his right leg sciatica, but not for the orthopedic symptoms of his lumbar spine disability.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's orthopedic symptoms did not warrant an increased rating as they did not meet the criteria for more severe impairment under the applicable rating criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar disc herniation, right leg sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 24, 2014
- Citation
- 1442837
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 1442837.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbosacral strain disability was rated at 10 percent prior to February 3, 2025. The rating was increased to 20 percent effective February 3, 2025.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar disc herniation with status-post discectomy L5-S1 is related to his active duty service and grants service connection for this condition.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, finding that the evidence is at least in approximate balance as to whether his current condition is related to an injury sustained during active duty.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's lumbar disc herniation is related to his service, granting service connection for this condition.
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