The Veteran's increased disability ratings for lumbar spine disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and impairment of the left shoulder muscle group III have been denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms were consistently described as mild or moderate, which did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under Diagnostic Codes 5243 (Intervertebral Disc Syndrome) and 8520 (Paralysis of the Sciatic Nerve).
- Claimed conditions
- Left sided lumbar disc herniation and degenerative joint disease (lumbar spine disability), Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Left lower extremity radiculopathy, Impairment of the left shoulder muscle group III
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 2, 2021
- Citation
- 21005735
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 21005735.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease prior to August 1, 2025 was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to March 10, 2025 were denied as there is no neurological impairment associated with these conditions.
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