The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for low back disability, right lower extremity radiculopathy, and left lower extremity radiculopathy were denied. The VA examinations indicated that the Veteran had limited range of motion in his lumbar spine and legs, with pain affecting his ability to perform daily activities.
The deciding factor: The VA examinations showed that the Veteran's low back disability was manifested by forward flexion limited to 60 degrees, extension limited to 15 degrees, and lateral flexion and rotation also limited. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was shown as mild incomplete sciatic nerve involvement, while left lower extremity radiculopathy was not affected.
- Claimed conditions
- Low back disability, Right lower extremity radiculopathy, Left lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- February 4, 2021
- Citation
- 21006432
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 21006432.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and an increased rating for his acquired psychiatric disorder. The Board found that there was no evidence linking the current disabilities to military service.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected low back disability alone does not prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation.
- 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 Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for a low back disability and bilateral hip disability, finding that there was no evidence linking these conditions to his military service.
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