The Veteran's appeal is denied as his service-connected low back disorder does not meet the criteria for a rating in excess of 40 percent, and he did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of either lower extremity. His request for assistance in acquiring specially adapted housing or a special home adaptation grant was also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disorder does not manifest any incapacitating episodes, and his radiculopathy of the bilateral lower extremities more nearly approximates moderate incomplete paralysis during the pendency of this appeal. The evidence did not reflect loss of use of a lower or upper extremity that would preclude locomotion without the aid of braces, crutches, canes, or a wheelchair.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic low back strain, Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Type II diabetes mellitus, Cervical spine disorder, Coronary artery disease (CAD), Scar status-post right carotid endarterectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 15, 2017
- Citation
- 1704624
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 1704624.
What this means for you
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