The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and left leg radiculopathy are both rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted. The Veteran is not entitled to a higher rating for his back condition prior to November 10, 2015, or from November 10, 2015 onwards. A separate rating of 10 percent was assigned for left leg radiculopathy as of March 10, 2010.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back condition did not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on forward flexion being less than 30 degrees or showing ankylosis. The separate rating for left leg radiculopathy was appropriate given the mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve in one lower extremity.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Left leg radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 24, 2018
- Citation
- 18120956
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 18120956.
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 Board denied the Veteran's claim for TDIU, finding that his service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or maintaining substantially gainful employment.
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