The Veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain, spondylosis, degenerative disc disease and moderate anterior T12 wedging is not rated higher than 40 percent prior to October 6, 2014. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 10 percent from July 21, 2015 onwards. The Veteran's right knee strain and left knee strain remain rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period. Residuals of right great toe and foot injury do not warrant a compensable rating prior to October 6, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s lumbosacral spine disability is evaluated under Diagnostic Code (DC) 5237 for diseases and injuries of the spine. The criteria indicate that any associated objective neurologic abnormalities should be separately evaluated under an appropriate DC. Right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent from July 21, 2015 onwards, while left lower extremity radiculopathy remains rated at 10 percent throughout the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, spondylosis, degenerative disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 15, 2016
- Citation
- 1615413
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 1615413.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a back condition, including degenerative disc disease and scoliosis, due to lack of current disability evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the VA examinations related to the Veteran's lower back condition and surgical scars are inadequate, necessitating a remand for further evaluation.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
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