The Veteran's lumbar strain and degenerative disc disease are rated at 40 percent prior to March 7, 2014. From March 7, 2014 onwards, the disability is rated as 50 percent disabling. The right lower extremity radiculopathy has been assigned a 10 percent rating since September 15, 2009 and prior to March 6, 2014. Since March 7, 2014, the left lower extremity radiculopathy is rated as 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability has been found to be manifested by unfavorable ankylosis since March 7, 2014, which meets the criteria for a 50% rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent prior to March 7, 2014, based on its severity. Since March 7, 2014, the left lower extremity radiculopathy has been found to meet the criteria for a 10% rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 16, 2014
- Citation
- 1455227
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 1455227.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.
- 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.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.