The Veteran's initial ratings for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted at 20 percent each, effective from October 3, 2016. The Veteran also received a separate rating for bladder dysfunction as secondary to his service-connected lumbar spine disability, and was granted TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities.
The deciding factor: The evidence showed the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and right lower extremity radiculopathy were manifested by forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees, with episodes of intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) requiring bed rest prescribed by a physician having a total duration of at least 4 weeks but less than 6 weeks during a 12-month period. The Veteran's bladder dysfunction was also found to be associated with his service-connected lumbar spine disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, Right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- May 14, 2021
- Citation
- 21029643
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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 21029643.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- 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.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for degenerative arthritis of the cervical spine and lumbar spine was granted with effective dates of May 13, 2019.
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