The Veteran's lumbar spine fusion, DDD and DJD is rated at 40 percent effective July 17, 2013.,Radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (LLE) prior to March 2, 2020, is rated at 20 percent effective July 17, 2013.,The Veteran's scar of the lumbar spine is not compensable.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence showed forward flexion to be, at worst, 30 degrees, no evidence of ankylosis, and IVDS with no incapacitating episodes. The criteria for a 40 percent rating were met.,The medical evidence showed moderate incomplete paralysis of the left sciatic nerve. A 20 percent rating was warranted prior to March 2, 2020.,The medical evidence did not show underlying soft tissue damage and a total area of 17 sq. cm. The criteria for a noncompensable rating were met.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar Spine Fusion L1, Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) and Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Radiculopathy of Left Lower Extremity (LLE), Sciatic Nerve, Scar of Lumbar Spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 15, 2020
- Citation
- 20047396
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 20047396.
What this means for you
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