The Veteran's intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) is rated at 20 percent, effective March 13, 2014. Separate ratings of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are granted since May 1, 2015. An initial rating of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is granted since February 4, 2014. A 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is granted since October 23, 2018. The effective date for a total disability evaluation based on individual unemployability (TDIU) on a schedular basis is set at March 13, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's IVDS was rated as 20 percent disabling since March 13, 2014. The separate rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was granted effective May 1, 2015 due to moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. An initial rating of 20 percent for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was granted since February 4, 2014. A 40 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is effective October 23, 2018 due to moderately severe incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), status post laminectomy L5-S1, Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, Radiculopathy of the right lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 28, 2020
- Citation
- 20029651
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 20029651.
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.
- Denied
The Board denied extraschedular ratings for the Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine and lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities, as well as a total disability rating based on individual unemployability prior to February 3, 2011.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's lumbosacral spine disability is rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that it warrants a rating of 40 percent throughout the appeal period.,Service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to his service-connected lumbosacral spine disability is granted. The Veteran's claim for an initial rating will be remanded for further evaluation.
- Partly granted
The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity is currently rated at 70% effective from February 11, 2010.,Entitlement to an earlier effective date for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity was denied.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities cause the need for regular aid and attendance of another person, which is granted based on the evidence provided.
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