The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for his service-connected low back disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The effective date for the award of compensation for left lower extremity radiculopathy was not granted prior to August 28, 2014.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations did not show any incapacitating episodes or objectively diagnosed IVDS in the past year, and the Veteran's symptoms were adequately addressed by a combination of pain management and conservative treatment options. The functional impairment due to his service-connected conditions was considered in determining that no higher ratings were warranted.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease and Disc Disease of the Lumbosacral Spine with Tarlov's Cyst, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 12, 2015
- Citation
- 1520383
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 1520383.
What this means for you
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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 claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, without considering the ameliorative effects of any medication he uses.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 30 percent disability rating since November 29, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is likely due to his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions, with tramadol use possibly causing the condition by October 25, 2012. The effective date for ED will be remanded.,Due to the inextricably intertwined nature of the issues, including the need to determine if tramadol caused ED prior to August 30, 2013, the SMC issue is also remanded.
- Granted
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