The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for his lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities have been denied. The VA has determined that the current 20 percent ratings adequately reflect the functional impairment attributable to these conditions.,The Board found no evidence of ankylosis or incapacitating episodes, which would warrant a higher rating under the applicable criteria.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability picture does not meet the criteria for a higher rating based on limitation of motion or functional impairment. The VA examinations and treatment records consistently reflect that the Veteran’s range of motion is within normal limits, with no ankylosis or significant atrophy.,The Board considered the Veteran's complaints of pain but found them to be consistent with his current level of function.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Arthritis (DJD) of the Lumbar Spine with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS), Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- July 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19158253
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 19158253.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, without considering the ameliorative effects of any medication he uses.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 30 percent disability rating since November 29, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is likely due to his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions, with tramadol use possibly causing the condition by October 25, 2012. The effective date for ED will be remanded.,Due to the inextricably intertwined nature of the issues, including the need to determine if tramadol caused ED prior to August 30, 2013, the SMC issue is also remanded.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the evidence is at least in equipoise, and therefore grants service connection for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) as secondary to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other service-connected conditions such as lumbar disc disease, right lower extremity radiculopathy, obstructive lung disease, and gastroesophageal reflux.
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