The Veteran's claim for higher ratings for his service-connected lumbar DDD and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for either condition.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence did not show ankylosis or incapacitating episodes due to IVDS, which would warrant higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- Post-operative lumbar degenerative disk disease (DDD), Neck disability, to include arthritis of the neck, Radiculopathy of the lower left extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- May 9, 2018
- Citation
- 1828370
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 1828370.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
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 appeal is REMANDED for a new VA examination to address his ability to work due to service-connected disabilities.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for radiculopathy of both lower extremities and remanded his claim for degenerative disc disease of the cervical spine.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for effective dates prior to December 23, 2014 for service connection and secondary service connection have been denied as the Veteran did not express an intent to reopen his claim or file a new claim prior to that date.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including degenerative disc disease of the lumbosacral spine and radiculopathies of both lower extremities, result from a common etiology. The Veteran is unable to maintain substantially gainful employment due to his service-connected disabilities.
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