The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and right lower extremity sciatica are currently rated at the lowest possible rating of 10 percent, which is not sufficient to reflect the severity of his symptoms. Service connection for depression was denied, and entitlement to a TDIU rating remains in dispute.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability does not meet or approximate the criteria for any higher evaluation under the General Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (General Formula) or based on incapacitating episodes of disc disease. His right lower extremity sciatica is rated at the lowest possible rating of 10 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbar strain and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- June 3, 2016
- Citation
- 1622346
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 1622346.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for his service-connected left and right sciatica, finding that the evidence supported a rating of 10 percent but not more.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bipolar disorder and denied increased ratings for the lumbar disability, left and right sciatica, and chronic sinusitis. However, it granted an increased rating of 40 percent from March 7, 2022, for left and right sciatic radiculopathy and restored a 30 percent rating for chronic sinusitis.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for right hip arthritis and a TDIU as of June 8, 2020, while denying increased ratings for sciatica, left hip arthritis, and bilateral hearing loss.
- Granted
The Board granted earlier effective dates for the service connection of degenerative arthritis of the spine with scoliosis, right and left lower extremity sciatica, as well as service connection for a left knee condition, right knee condition, bilateral pes planus, and hallux valgus left foot.
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.