The Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for his lumbar spine disability was denied. He also received initial compensable evaluations for his cervical laminectomy fusion scar and L1-L4 decompression scar.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes, particularly as it pertains to IVDS (preoperatively or postoperatively).
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine arthritis with degenerative disc disease, bilateral sciatic nerve radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 60%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2021
- Citation
- A21019748
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 A21019748.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew her appeal and hearing request for increased ratings of persistent depressive disorder, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), bilateral sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and bilateral knee osteoarthritis.
- Granted
The Veteran's bilateral femoral and sciatic nerve radiculopathy were granted a disability rating of 30 percent each from May 15, 2018, forward. The TDIU was granted prior to August 1, 2024.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including DJD of the lumbar spine, right shoulder, bilateral sciatic nerve radiculopathy, and peripheral neuropathy, combined, prevent him from securing and following a substantially gainful occupation consistent with his education, skills, training, and work history. Effective December 7, 2022, he is granted TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a lower back disorder, finding no evidence that it is related to service or his service-connected left sciatic nerve involvement associated with post-herpetic pain syndrome.
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