The Veteran's claims for higher evaluations and TDIU were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for DDD L4-5, L5-S1; a separate 20 percent rating for left leg radiculopathy prior to October 1, 2010, and a separate 10 percent rating thereafter; or a TDIU based on his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for higher evaluations under the applicable diagnostic codes. The Veteran's employment history showed he was unable to work due to his service-connected disabilities but also had limited vocational and educational attainment, which precluded him from obtaining other employment.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) L4-5, L5-S1, Left leg radiculopathy, Right leg radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- May 3, 2016
- Citation
- 1617818
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 1617818.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) due to weight gain caused by her service-connected cervical degenerative disc disease, lumbar facet arthrosis, left knee disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The decision resolves all reasonable doubts in favor of the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine disorder, left leg radiculopathy, bilateral restless leg syndrome, and obstructive and central sleep apnea due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining adequate medical opinions.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 28, 2015.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a new examination and retrospective opinion due to deficiencies in previous VA examinations.
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