The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with neuroforaminal stenosis and associated sciatica were granted initial ratings, but not in excess of 10 percent prior to May 18, 2009. From May 18, 2009 onwards, he was granted a higher rating for his sciatica.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability did not meet the criteria for an increased rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine or the Formula for Rating Intervertebral Disc Syndrome Based on Incapacitating Episodes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine with neuroforaminal stenosis, Sciatica of the right lower extremity, Sciatica of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- May 12, 2016
- Citation
- 1619249
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 1619249.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a low back disability and sciatica of both lower extremities, to include as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected foot and knee disabilities, due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for service connection for various conditions due to untimely filing of a Notice of Disagreement.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for various conditions, including anxiety and several musculoskeletal issues. The Veteran's claims were not supported by the evidence of record.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back condition and sciatica of both lower extremities, finding that these conditions are related to his military service.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.