The Veteran's disability ratings for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and radiculopathy of both lower extremities have been granted. The lumbar spine is rated at 10 percent, while the right and left lower extremity radiculopathies are each rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence supported the grant of a 10% rating for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine based on forward flexion not less than 60 degrees. The Veteran's radiculopathy was also found to be mild, warranting separate 10% ratings.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease, lumbar spine L5-S1, Radiculopathy, right lower extremity, Radiculopathy, left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- May 26, 2020
- Citation
- 20035890
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 20035890.
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.
- Denied
The Veteran's PTSD is rated at 50 percent, and the appeal for an increased rating is denied. The Veteran's degenerative osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine, radiculopathy, right lower extremity, diabetic nephropathy chronic kidney disease, right great toe bunion and gout, and TDIU are all granted.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's service connected thoracolumbar spine degenerative disc disease, cervical spine degenerative disc disease, radiculopathy of the right upper and lower extremities, and radiculopathy of the left upper and lower extremities are all remanded for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for an increased initial rating for a low back disability and radiculopathy, right and left lower extremities due to a need for additional evidence.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeal for service connection for SLAP tear, right upper extremity and denied service connection for radiculopathy, left lower extremity. Service connection was granted for radiculopathy, right lower extremity effective September 13, 2021.
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