The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and he received a 10 percent rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy effective December 21, 2015. The other issues related to his lower extremities were denied or not granted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability met the criteria for a 40 percent rating based on forward flexion of less than 30 degrees and associated functional loss due to pain and disturbances in locomotion, which is more severe than what would warrant a lower rating. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was rated at 10 percent effective December 21, 2015, based on mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine spondylolisthesis, lumbar spondylosis, chronic lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- August 31, 2020
- Citation
- 20057445
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 20057445.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
- Granted
The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lumbar disorder, diagnosed as lumbar spondylosis and L3-L4 disc herniation status post hemilaminectomy (s/p) right L3-4 hemilaminectomy with diskectomy. The Board found that there is sufficient evidence to establish a nexus between the Veteran's current disability and his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the case due to a duty-to-assist error and the need for clarification of the Veteran's service periods. The Veteran is diagnosed with lumbosacral strain and lumbar spondylosis, and the claim will be reconsidered based on new evidence.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient opinions regarding whether the Veteran's low back disorder is related to service or caused by his service-connected bilateral foot disability.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.