The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for IVDS of the lumbar spine, left lower extremity neuropathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy were granted. The Veteran is now rated at 40 percent for IVDS of the lumbar spine from May 21, 2014.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's evaluations supported the current ratings based on the combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine and neurologic manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the thoracic spine, IVDS of the lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 30, 2015
- Citation
- 1504677
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 1504677.
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 Veteran's appeal is REMANDED for additional development, including obtaining VA medical records and scheduling the Veteran for appropriate VA examinations to assess his orthopedic conditions. The TDIU claim will also be referred to the Director, Compensation Service, for extraschedular consideration.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for increased ratings and service connection have been dismissed. The appeal pertaining to the thoracic spine disability is remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran was granted a TDIU on an extraschedular basis throughout the appeal period prior to December 30, 2019 due to his service-connected radiculopathies of bilateral lower extremities and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) of the lumbar spine. The effective date for Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) benefits under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 35 was also granted prior to December 30, 2019.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for entitlement to SMC at the housebound rate and service connection for obstructive sleep apnea due to additional evidence received since the October 2019 Board remand.
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