The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for chronic low back strain was denied, but the Board granted secondary service connection for bilateral lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner noted that the radiculopathy is best attributed to the lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) which is service-connected.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic low back strain, Bilateral lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 29, 2019
- Citation
- 19167352
Veterans Law Judge
Decisions by this judge: 1,037 · Granted: 21% (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 19167352.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The appeal for evaluation of IVDS and degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine was dismissed, while TDIU was granted due to the combined effects of service-connected disabilities.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for chronic low back strain and degenerative arthritis of the left wrist, as well as his claim for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The appeals are being remanded for additional examinations and consideration.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, asthma with sleep apnea, chronic kidney disease, and various musculoskeletal conditions, render him unable to perform daily activities without regular aid and attendance. The Board has determined that the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance have been met.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the cases for further development due to inconsistencies in prior examinations and insufficient information regarding the Veteran's disability picture.
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