The Veteran's claims for increased ratings were denied. The lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 40 percent, effective May 25, 1999.
The deciding factor: There was no indication of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes that would warrant a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative changes of the lumbar spine with lumbosacral strain, Radiculopathy, left lower extremity, Radiculopathy, right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- January 9, 2017
- Citation
- 1700502
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 1700502.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating is denied. The Veteran's degenerative osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy, right lower extremity, diabetic nephropathy chronic kidney disease, right great toe bunion and gout, and TDIU are all granted.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connected thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right upper and lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the left upper and lower extremities are all remanded for further development.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an increased initial rating for a low back disability and radiculopathy, right and left lower extremities due to a need for additional evidence.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for SLAP tear, right upper extremity and denied service connection for radiculopathy, left lower extremity. Service connection was granted for radiculopathy, right lower extremity effective September 13, 2021.
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