The Veteran's low back strain with DDD and right sciatic nerve neuropathy were rated at 20 percent, but no higher, for the period from June 1, 2013 to January 2, 2018. The Board found that the evidence did not support any increased rating prior to this date.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner's findings and the Veteran's testimony supported a finding of forward flexion limited to 40 degrees, which approximated the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with DDD, Right sciatic nerve neuropathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 24, 2018
- Citation
- 18144243
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 18144243.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his sciatic nerve neuropathy and service connection for restless leg syndrome are remanded. His claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability is also remanded.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board found that the reduction from a 20% to a 10% rating for low back strain with DDD, effective May 1, 2009, was proper based on evidence showing improvement in the Veteran's condition.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for his service-connected lumbar myositis, psychoneurosis and conversion hysteria, residuals of shrapnel wounds of the left thigh and pelvis with retained foreign bodies and scars, and residuals of shell fragment wounds of the right thigh and left leg. The veteran was also denied entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for an initial evaluation in excess of 10 percent for his service-connected coronary artery disease, finding that the evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of his condition.
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