The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his service-connected low back strain with DJD was denied, as the evidence did not show symptoms or functional impairment that resulted in unfavorable ankylosis or incapacitating episodes.,The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for sciatic radiculopathy affecting both lower extremities were also denied.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not reflect symptoms or functional impairment more nearly approximating unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine, which would warrant a higher rating under DC 5242 and the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine.,There was no objective evidence confirming left foot drop or decreased muscle strength in either lower extremity during the appeal period.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back strain with degenerative joint disease (DJD), Sciatic radiculopathy affecting left lower extremity, Sciatic radiculopathy affecting right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 11, 2019
- Citation
- 19153859
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,762 · Granted: 24% (granted or partly granted, in the vetted decisions on this site)
Judge attribution: 2025 complete; earlier years partial.
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 19153859.
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 case is remanded for additional development to ensure compliance with prior remand instructions, specifically regarding the adequacy of examinations and addressing the Veteran's TBI manifestations.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for low back strain with degenerative joint disease was denied, and his claim for TDIU was granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims of entitlement to a rating in excess of 20 percent for low back strain with DJD and entitlement to TDIU due to inadequate medical opinions and issues being intertwined.
- Granted
The Veteran's low back strain with degenerative joint disease was rated at 10 percent from January 17, 2007 to February 24, 2012.
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