The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine and peripheral neuropathy of the lower left extremity sciatic nerve were denied as there was no evidence to support a rating in excess of 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s symptoms related to his conditions did not warrant a higher rating, with mild radiculopathy for the lower left extremity and forward flexion at 70 degrees for the thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, Peripheral neuropathy of the lower left extremity sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 18, 2018
- Citation
- 18158836
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 18158836.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for service connection of degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine was dismissed as a matter of law due to a full grant of benefits. The appeals for left knee and left ankle disabilities are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disability and associated radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves are granted with effective dates from June 30, 2010. A 40% rating is assigned for the lumbar disability.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, including degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine, is related to his active service and grants service connection for this condition.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for an initial rating higher than 40 percent for his back disability is denied. The issue of entitlement to a TDIU from February 25, 2016, to August 14, 2022, is also denied. The effective date for Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits is denied.
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