The Veteran's low back disability has been rated as 40 percent disabling since October 22, 2014. Prior to that date, the disability was rated as 20 percent disabling.,For the period prior to October 22, 2014, there is no evidence of radiculopathy in either lower extremity at least mild in nature. Beginning October 22, 2014, the Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy has been rated as 20 percent disabling and his left lower extremity radiculopathy has not met criteria for a separate rating.,For the period prior to October 22, 2014, there is no evidence of cervical spine disability at least mild in nature. Beginning October 22, 2014, the Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome with C5-C7 cervical degenerative disc disease and radiculopathy has been rated as 30 percent disabling.,For the period prior to March 24, 2011, there is no evidence of right upper extremity radiculopathy at least mild in nature. Beginning March 24, 2011, the Veteran's right upper extremity radiculopathy has been rated as 20 percent disabling.,For the period prior to October 22, 2014, there is no evidence of left upper extremity radiculopathy at least mild in nature. Beginning October 22, 2014, the Veteran's left upper extremity radiculopathy has been rated as 20 percent disabling.,For the period prior to October 22, 2014, there is no evidence of bilateral plantar fasciitis with left foot pes planus and right foot pes cavus at least mild in nature. Beginning October 22, 2014, the Veteran's bilateral plantar fasciitis has been rated as 50 percent disabling.,The Veteran's hypertension is not manifested by diastolic pressure that is predominately 100 or more; or systolic pressure predominately 160 or more; or a history of diastolic pressure predominately 100 or more and continuous medication for control.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support the assignment of higher ratings for any of the conditions.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Disability, Cervical Spine Disability, Left Foot Plantar Fasciitis, Right Foot Plantar Fasciitis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 11, 2017
- Citation
- 1716090
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 1716090.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his low back, left knee, and right knee disabilities due to inadequate VA examinations. The AOJ is instructed to obtain private treatment records from Mays & Schnapp Pain Management and schedule the Veteran for additional medical examinations.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability, right knee strain (painful motion), and right knee instability are now rated at 30 percent effective August 16, 2017.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's right shoulder disability, low back condition, bilateral knee disabilities, and left shoulder strain have been granted service connection. The Veteran's low back condition has been increased to a 40 percent evaluation, while the bilateral knee conditions remain at their current 10 percent evaluations.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.