The Veteran's initial disability rating for thoracolumbar spine strain is granted at 40 percent, effective prior to April 8, 2016. The rating for IVDS from April 8, 2016 is denied. A separate 10 percent rating is granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms of thoracolumbar spine strain and associated radiculopathy have been rated based on the severity of his spinal disability rather than specific neurological manifestations, resulting in a mixed decision.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine strain, Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 3, 2019
- Citation
- 19190553
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 19190553.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the spine, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), and foraminal stenosis based on a finding that these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.
- 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.
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