The Board denied a separate compensable rating for radiculopathy of the left leg due to service-connected degenerative disc disease with facet joint arthritis and spondylosis of the lumber spine with IVDS.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not demonstrate significant left lower extremity neurological impairment resulting from radiculopathy, despite complaints of tingling and pain. The findings were largely normal for strength, sensation, and even reflexes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease with facet joint arthritis and spondylosis of the lumber spine with intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Radiculopathy of the left leg
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- December 16, 2014
- Citation
- 1455455
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1455455.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from engaging in substantially gainful employment since December 13, 2010.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board has dismissed the Veteran's appeals for increased evaluations of his service-connected disabilities and for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating of 20 percent, but not higher, for degenerative changes of the lumbar spine is granted. The claims for increased ratings for right leg radiculopathy and left leg radiculopathy are also granted.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied service connection for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of the left leg, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to military service. The Board also found that secondary service connection for radiculopathy could not be granted as the underlying DDD of the lumbar spine was not service-connected.
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