A disability rating of 20 percent for a back disability is granted, effective December 9, 2019.,Initial compensable ratings are denied for right and left lower extremity radiculopathies prior to May 15, 2018. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are granted thereafter.,A 10 percent rating is granted for each ankle disability prior to October 21, 2013. Ratings in excess of 10 percent are denied after that date.,Initial compensable ratings are denied for right and left shoulder disabilities.

The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability was evaluated based on the criteria for a lumbar spine disability, with flexion limited to 45 degrees due to pain. The rating of 20 percent is appropriate as it meets the criteria for forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees.,The lower extremity radiculopathies were evaluated under the criteria for sciatic nerve paralysis, with mild bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy. The ratings of 10 percent are appropriate as they meet the criteria for mild incomplete paralysis.,For ankle disabilities, the evidence did not show marked limitation of motion after October 21, 2013, and therefore a higher rating is denied.,For shoulder disabilities, the evidence did not show any impairment that would warrant a higher rating.

Claimed conditions

Back disability, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Right ankle disability, Left ankle disability, Right shoulder disability, Left shoulder disability

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

20%

Decision date

December 9, 2020

Citation

20077771

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 20077771.