The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was rated at 10 percent prior to May 10, 2013 and increased to 20 percent from that date. The radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) associated with the Veteran's low back disability has been rated as 10 percent since July 16, 2012.,The radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) was initially rated at 10 percent and increased to 20 percent effective July 16, 2012.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine resulted in forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not more than 60 degrees with no favorable or unfavorable ankylosis. The radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was rated as mild prior to March 13, 2017 and moderate from that date.,The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve) associated with degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine has been rated at 10 percent since July 16, 2012.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- November 21, 2017
- Citation
- 1753501
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 1753501.
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 Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for his lumbar spine and right hip disabilities due to a duty to assist error. The effective date for DEA benefits is granted as May 1, 2014.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an earlier effective date and higher initial rating for his back disability is denied. The effective date remains March 29, 2021, as the earliest date of claim. An initial rating in excess of 20 percent for the back disability from March 29, 2021, is also denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back disability and right leg radiculopathy are granted service connection, but left leg radiculopathy is denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine condition and lower extremity radiculopathy conditions were rated at 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively, effective May 24, 2022.,Prior to May 24, 2022, there is no evidence of an increase in severity for the Veteran's lumbar spine condition or lower extremity radiculopathy conditions.
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