The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, effective May 10, 2017. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date is denied.,The Veteran's sciatica of the left lower extremity is currently rated at 20 percent, effective November 3, 2014. The claim for a higher rating prior to that date is denied.
The deciding factor: The VA examination results show that the Veteran’s forward flexion was limited to 30 degrees or less on May 10, 2017, which meets the criteria for a 40 percent rating under DC 5237. The claim for higher ratings prior to this date is denied due to lack of evidence showing limitation of motion at 30 degrees or less.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, Sciatica of the left lower extremity, Sciatica of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 27, 2018
- Citation
- 18139440
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 18139440.
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 was granted a rating of total disability due to individual unemployability (TDIU) based upon service-connected disorders effective July 20, 2022, and basic eligibility to Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) pursuant to 38 U.S.C. chapter 35 for the same effective date.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease, right shoulder impingement syndrome with rotator cuff strain, and right lower extremity femoral radiculopathy.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a low back disability and sciatica of both lower extremities, to include as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected foot and knee disabilities, due to pre-decisional duty to assist errors.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for an increased rating and a separate compensable rating for his lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and left lower extremity radiculopathy, respectively.
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