The Veteran's lumbar IVDS and associated radiculopathy were rated based on their combined disability rating of 80 percent, with separate ratings for each affected nerve.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's disability picture did not meet the criteria for a higher rating under any applicable diagnostic codes due to the combination of his service-connected lumbar IVDS and associated radiculopathy resulting in an overall disability rating of 80 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), bilateral S-1 radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 80%
- Decision date
- October 21, 2021
- Citation
- 21064866
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 21064866.
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied earlier effective dates for the grants of service connection for IVDS, functional diarrhea, face scars, LLE radiculopathy associated with lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome (LLE radiculopathy), and hypertension. The Veteran's claims were based on a March 1, 2024, intent to file form.,The Board also denied an earlier effective date for eligibility for Dependents' Assistance under 38 USC chapter 35 (DEA).
- Denied
The Veteran's initial rating for lumbar spine condition (lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with spondylolisthesis) was denied, as the disability did not meet criteria for a higher than 10 percent evaluation.
- Granted
The Board has granted a 40 percent disability rating for the appellant's lumbar IVDS with degenerative arthritis prior to October 20, 2020. The claim for an increased rating in excess of 40 percent is denied.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a VA examination to address service connection and rating issues.
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