The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine disability, radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities were denied as there was no evidence to support a finding that the disability picture more nearly approximated the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The preponderance of the evidence showed that the Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the schedular criteria for consideration of entitlement to a TDIU, and his radiculopathy did not result in incapacitating episodes or other symptoms warranting a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Joint Disease of the Lumbar Spine, Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity (Sciatic Nerve), Radiculopathy, Right Lower Extremity (Sciatic Nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 6, 2018
- Citation
- 1814008
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 1814008.
What this means for you
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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 claim for an increased rating in excess of 20 percent for degenerative joint disease of the lumbar spine is denied.,The Veteran's claim for an initial increased rating in excess of 10 percent for right knee degenerative arthritis is remanded due to inadequate examination report.
- Granted
The reduction of the Veteran's lumbar spine and cervical spine disability ratings from 40% to 20% was improper, and the prior ratings are restored.
- Denied
The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine disability is rated at 20 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating has been denied. The Board also found that TDIU was granted as of January 16, 2010, but not earlier.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for chronic fatigue syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and chronic sinusitis. However, it granted an increased disability rating of 30 percent for left upper extremity radiculopathy.
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