The Veteran's postoperative hemilaminectomy and laminectomy, low back, was rated at 20% prior to March 28, 2012, and at 60% from that date onwards.,Right lower extremity neuropathy was rated at 40% prior to March 28, 2012. Since then, the Veteran's condition has been rated at 40%.,Left lower extremity neuropathy has also been rated at 40% since March 28, 2012.,The Veteran's left shoulder arthritis was initially rated at 20%, and this rating remains unchanged.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions have changed over time, with the right lower extremity neuropathy and left lower extremity neuropathy both being rated at 40% since March 28, 2012. The postoperative hemilaminectomy and laminectomy, low back, was initially rated at 20%, but increased to 60% after that date.
- Claimed conditions
- Postoperative hemilaminectomy and laminectomy, low back, Right lower extremity neuropathy, Left lower extremity neuropathy, Left shoulder arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- October 31, 2017
- Citation
- 1749164
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 1749164.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's TBI and other specified trauma disorder are being remanded for further evaluation.,The Veteran's increased rating claim for other specified trauma disorder is also being remanded.,Service connection for ulcerative pancolitis, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic anemia, skin disability (psoriasis), sleep apnea, cervical spine disability, right knee disability, left hip disability, and right lower extremity neuropathy are all being remanded due to the need for additional medical examination and opinion.,The Veteran's service connection claims will be addressed based on his credible history of service in combat zones.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected right and left lower extremity neuropathy require additional development due to missing medical evidence, specifically an EMG from June 2023. The VA examinations also did not consider the ameliorative effects of medication on the severity of the disability.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection for coronary artery disease (CAD) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), both due to herbicide exposure, is granted.,Service connection for GERD secondary to PTSD is also granted. The Veteran has left lower extremity neuropathy but no current diagnosis of left upper or right lower extremity neuropathy.
- Partly granted
The Board granted service connection for diabetes mellitus, type II and neuropathy of the extremities due to in-service exposure to herbicide agents. The claims for a sinus disorder and facial skin disorder were remanded.
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