The Veteran's multilevel degenerative disc disease, femoral nerve radiculopathy of the left and right lower extremities, and sciatic nerve radiculopathy of the right lower extremity are all rated at 40 percent for the period from June 10, 2007 to February 28, 2017. The Veteran's right knee degenerative changes status post arthroscopy with chondroplasty and synovectomy is rated at 20 percent, while his left knee degenerative changes are rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The VA examination findings consistently supported a 40 percent rating for the entire period on appeal due to functionally limited forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- multilevel degenerative disc disease, femoral nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity, femoral nerve radiculopathy, right lower extremity, sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right lower extremity, left knee degenerative changes, right knee degenerative changes status post arthroscopy with chondroplasty and synovectomy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- July 1, 2021
- Citation
- 21039715
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 21039715.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board agreed the veteran was entitled to the benefit. Decisions like this show the kind of evidence and arguments that tend to succeed for claims like it.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that the Veteran's service connection claim for a lumbar spine disability should be remanded due to a duty to assist error.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as multilevel degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy, finding that it is related to his in-service injury.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal regarding his eligibility for the Program for Comprehensive Assistance for Caregivers (PCAFC) is being remanded due to inadequate notice and compliance with regulatory requirements. The Board will adjudicate whether he meets criteria for personal care services, best interests of participation, and other pertinent criteria.
- Granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for lumbar spine degenerative disc disease, right knee degenerative changes, and left knee degenerative changes.
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