The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The Veteran's claim for an initial rating in excess of 10 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy was denied as his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran’s lumbar spine disability did not result in forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less, and there were no evidence of ankylosis.,The May 2015 VA examination showed right lower extremity radiculopathy characterized by moderate incomplete paralysis of the right sciatic nerve, which does not meet the criteria for a higher rating.,The May 2015 VA examination also showed left lower extremity radiculopathy characterized by mild incomplete paralysis of the left sciatic nerve, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Left lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 26, 2019
- Citation
- 19189357
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 19189357.
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.
- Partly granted
The Veteran was granted an effective date of July 31, 2012, for TDIU and October 22, 2012, for service connection of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The appeal for higher ratings and effective dates for various conditions was denied, with the exception of left and right lower extremity radiculopathy which were granted an earlier effective date.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for various disabilities and granted earlier effective dates for service connection of scars, but denied an earlier effective date for individual unemployability.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's cervical spine disability is granted a 30 percent rating, while the lumbar and lower extremity radiculopathy claims are denied. An earlier effective date for right lower extremity radiculopathy was granted, and TDIU based on single service-connected disability is remanded.
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