The Veteran's service-connected thoracolumbar spine disability and associated neurological abnormalities are currently rated at the minimum levels, with no higher ratings warranted based on current evidence of record.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is currently evaluated as 40 percent disabling under Diagnostic Code 5242. The criteria for a higher rating require unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, which is not demonstrated in this case. For sciatic nerve impairment, ratings are assigned based on neurological findings and current evidence does not support a finding of severe or moderately severe conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar Spine Disability, Sciatic Nerve Impairment of Right Lower Extremity, Sciatic Nerve Impairment of Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2016
- Citation
- 1602023
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 1602023.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date for TDIU was denied as there is no prior unadjudicated claim found in the record. The issue of TDIU was not raised until after a final rating decision on service connection for PTSD and TBI.
- Partly granted
The Board granted increased ratings for the Veteran's right and left shoulder rotator cuff disabilities, effective from March 25, 2008 and February 28, 2008 respectively. The thoracolumbar spine disability was also rated at 40 percent, but a temporary total disability rating for convalescence following a January 13, 2016 left shoulder surgery was denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands all issues on appeal for further development, including obtaining additional medical opinions and ensuring compliance with prior remand directives.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and remanded the claims for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, thoracolumbar spine disability, left knee disability, right knee disability, and right wrist disability.
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