The Veteran's low back disability and associated radiculopathies are currently rated at the highest available schedular rating, with separate ratings for each lower extremity. The appeal is denied as there is no evidence of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS that would warrant a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran’s low back disability does not more nearly approximate unfavorable ankylosis and his radiculopathies are rated based on their severity, with the right lower extremity radiculopathy receiving a higher rating due to its greater degree of impairment.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbosacral Strain with Chronic Low Back Pain and Functional Loss, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve), Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy (Sciatic Nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 1, 2017
- Citation
- 1706165
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 1706165.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and his left and right lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 40 percent. The issues of increased ratings for these conditions have been granted.
- Granted
The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) have been granted increased disability ratings of 20 percent, effective April 22, 2024.,The Veteran's left and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) have been granted increased disability ratings of 20 percent, effective April 22, 2024.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and radiculopathies of both lower extremities have been granted, with effective dates from December 3, 2020, to October 7, 2024.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left foot plantar fasciitis, as the evidence did not support a higher rating.
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