The Veteran's lower back disability and associated radiculopathy have been granted increased initial ratings of 20 percent, effective January 22, 2018. Additional development is needed for other issues.

The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s service-connected disabilities meet or approximate the criteria for a 20 percent rating under the General Rating Formula and DC 5243.

Claimed conditions

Degenerative arthritis of the spine with spondylolisthesis, Left thigh and leg disability other than hamstring rupture residuals or service-connected radiculopathy, Right thigh and leg disability other than hamstring rupture residuals or service-connected radiculopathy, Left knee disability secondary to a service-connected lower back disability, Right knee disability secondary to a service-connected lower back disability, Left shoulder disability secondary to a service-connected lower back disability, Right shoulder disability secondary to a service-connected lower back disability, Neck disability secondary to a service-connected lower back disability, Left upper extremity peripheral nerve impairment secondary to a service-connected disease or injury, Right upper extremity peripheral nerve impairment secondary to a service-connected disease or injury, Headache disorder secondary to a service-connected lower back disability

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

November 9, 2020

Citation

20072156

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 20072156.