For the period prior to April 28, 2015, the Veteran's degenerative joint disease and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine was evaluated at 40 percent. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was separately rated at 10 percent, while the left lower extremity radiculopathy was separately rated at 20 percent.,Since April 28, 2015, the Veteran's degenerative joint disease and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine has been evaluated at 60 percent. The right lower extremity radiculopathy is now rated at 40 percent, while the left lower extremity radiculopathy remains at 40 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative joint disease and spinal stenosis of the lumbar spine have not resulted in any incapacitating episodes requiring bedrest as prescribed by a physician prior to April 28, 2015. Since that date, he has experienced symptoms due to IVDS that required such bedrest.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease, Spinal Stenosis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- March 7, 2017
- Citation
- 1706960
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 1706960.
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.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's low back disability, including diagnosed degenerative arthritis with DDD other than intervertebral disc syndrome and spinal stenosis status post L3, L4, and L5 laminectomy. The decision is based on the Veteran's in-service injury and his ongoing symptoms since then.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TDIU and Dependents' Educational Assistance claims have been granted effective from November 23, 2019.,The Board has also remanded the Veteran's increased rating claims for his lumbar and cervical spine conditions.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found the reduction in rating for spinal stenosis, lumbar disc disease, and Schmorl's nodes from 20% to 10% was improper. The 20% rating is restored. However, the issues of increased ratings for left and right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy and ankle conditions are remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found new and relevant evidence in support of the Veteran's previously denied service-connection claim for a back condition to include degenerative joint disease and degenerative disc disease. The case is being remanded for further review.
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