The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability, right leg sciatica, and left leg sciatica have not been found to warrant a higher rating based on the severity of his symptoms.
The deciding factor: The objective evidence does not show flexion to 30 degrees or less, nor ankyloses was never demonstrated during the appellate term. The criteria for a rating greater than 20 percent are not met or more nearly approximated.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar disc disease, right leg sciatica, left leg sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- August 23, 2017
- Citation
- 1734846
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 1734846.
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: Granted
The Veteran's claim for a TDIU was granted with an effective date of May 3, 2016. The decision is based on the Veteran's service-connected disabilities including his CFS and adjustment disorder.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for genital herpes is denied as the highest schedular rating of 60% has been achieved. The claim for TDIU based on service-connected disabilities is also denied due to the presence of other service-connected conditions and the fact that the Veteran does not meet the criteria for a combined 100% disability rating.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran does not have a current diagnosis of left leg sciatica, and thus service connection for this condition is denied. The issues of service connection for degenerative cervical disease (neck disability), right upper extremity cervical radiculopathy as secondary to neck disability, lumbar spine L4/5 degenerative disc disease (back disability), and sinusitis are remanded due to the need for additional development.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Veteran's claim for service connection for depressive disorder associated with lumbar disc disease was granted on March 24, 2021. The Board found that the effective date should be set to this date as there is no legal link between the previous claim and the new claim.
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