The Veteran's claim for increased evaluations for his service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated left leg impairment was denied. The RO assigned a 40 percent evaluation effective January 3, 2006.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine or incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during any 12-month period. The symptoms were consistent with moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, warranting a 40 percent rating under Diagnostic Code 8520.
- Claimed conditions
- bulging discs and degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine, neurological impairment of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 18, 2016
- Citation
- 1611171
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 1611171.
What this means for you
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- Denied
The Board denied the claim for service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder and remanded claims for other disabilities due to a pre-decisional error in the duty to assist.
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