The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and associated right lower extremity radiculopathy are rated at 10 percent since May 1, 2011. The Board found no evidence warranting a higher rating during this period.
The deciding factor: The VA examination revealed forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 90 degrees and extension to 30 degrees, which is within the range for a 10 percent rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine. The Veteran's symptoms did not meet criteria for higher ratings based on more severe limitations or additional diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain with spondylosis and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2018
- Citation
- 18157929
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 18157929.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals were dismissed due to the death of the appellant. The issues related to service connection for various conditions and disability ratings.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability.
- Granted
The Board has granted earlier effective dates for the grant of service connection for middle and index trigger finger/stenosing tenosynovitis of the right hand, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy. The earliest effective date is June 30, 2012, for the right hand condition and April 22, 2016, for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and DDD, as well as right and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the now service-connected lumbar spine condition. The decision is based on a finding of relative equipoise in the evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service.
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