The Veteran is granted a 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, effective from the date of the decision. The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20 percent and 10 percent, respectively, effective since August 25, 2017. Bilateral hearing loss is not compensable.
The deciding factor: The evidence supports the Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, as he has demonstrated significant functional impairment and pain that limits his ability to perform normal activities without exacerbation. The right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at the maximum schedular ratings based on their severity of symptoms and findings.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative joint disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, bilateral hearing loss
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- January 17, 2018
- Citation
- 1803064
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 1803064.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the appeals for service connection for bilateral pes planus, obstructive sleep apnea, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for multiple conditions, including bilateral hearing loss and various musculoskeletal issues, as well as an initial rating in excess of 0 percent for rhinitis. However, the Board granted a 70 percent rating for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Partly granted
The Board granted a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) and special monthly compensation (SMC) housebound status, but dismissed the claims for initial ratings in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection for a bilateral hearing loss disability, as the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection.
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