The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for his low back disorder and associated radiculopathies has been denied. The rating for the low back disorder prior to February 2, 2012 is denied as it did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA guidelines. From February 2, 2012 onwards, a 20 percent rating was granted for the left lower extremity radiculopathy and a denial of any higher rating for the right lower extremity radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disorder did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under VA guidelines prior to February 2, 2012. From that date onwards, he was granted a 20 percent rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy but denied any higher rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disorder, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 10, 2020
- Citation
- 20078380
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 20078380.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a low back disorder was reopened, and his claims for increased ratings of bilateral knee instability were granted. His hearing loss claim was denied.
- Granted
The Board has granted effective dates of July 10, 2024 for service connection for PTSD, lumbar strain, and left lower extremity radiculopathy.
- Denied
The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was evaluated at a 20 percent rating, and the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the claims for psychiatric disability and sleep apnea.,Service connection was granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a service-connected back disability, but denied for right wrist disability.
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