The Veteran's DDD and herniated nucleus pulposus, status post microdiscectomy and lumbar laminectomy are currently rated at 40 percent. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 0 percent. The Board found that there was no evidence of incomplete paralysis warranting a compensable evaluation.,The Veteran's left lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 20 percent prior to August 18, 2016, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's DDD and herniated nucleus pulposus do not result in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes meeting the criteria for a higher rating under DC 5243.,There is no evidence of incomplete paralysis of the external popliteal nerve warranting a compensable evaluation. The Board found that the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy does not meet the criteria for a compensable evaluation.,The left lower extremity radiculopathy meets the criteria for a 20 percent rating prior to August 18, 2016, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter. The Board found that there was no evidence of incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve warranting a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease, Herniated Nucleus Pulposus
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- April 14, 2017
- Citation
- 1712183
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 1712183.
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