The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy have been evaluated at the lowest available ratings (10% for each). The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.,The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder has also been evaluated at the lowest available rating (10%). The Board finds that the evidence does not support a higher rating.
The deciding factor: The medical evidence shows mild to moderate symptoms for both right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy, which do not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating under Diagnostic Code 8520. The Veteran's lumbar spine disorder also does not meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Right Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, Lumbar Spine Disorder
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2021
- Citation
- 21003214
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 21003214.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy has been granted a 30 percent disability rating since November 29, 2021.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are being remanded due to the need for a new VA examination to assess the current severity of his condition, without considering the ameliorative effects of any medication he uses.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's erectile dysfunction is likely due to his service-connected lumbar spine and radiculopathy conditions, with tramadol use possibly causing the condition by October 25, 2012. The effective date for ED will be remanded.,Due to the inextricably intertwined nature of the issues, including the need to determine if tramadol caused ED prior to August 30, 2013, the SMC issue is also remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's claims for an initial compensable rating for service-connected IBS, service connection for a lumbar spine disorder, and service connection for a right foot disorder require further examination and consideration due to incomplete medical opinions and lack of evidence regarding the onset and continuity of symptoms.
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