The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been rated at the lowest possible levels for the entire appeal period, with no evidence of ankylosis or other disabling conditions warranting a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations consistently showed that the Veteran’s range of motion did not meet the criteria for any higher ratings under the General Rating Formula and Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) criteria.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spine Disability, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- January 14, 2020
- Citation
- 20003267
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 Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, except for a 20 percent rating for lumbosacral strain.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for his lumbar spine disability, both before and after November 8, 2024.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed all issues as a matter of law due to a procedural defect in the Veteran's February 2023 VA Form 10182s, which attempted to concurrently elect multiple review options.
- Denied
The appeal regarding the propriety of the award of attorney fees to H.B. was denied, while the issue of reasonableness of the fee award is being remanded for further review.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.