The Veteran's claims for higher initial disability ratings for his lumbar spine and sciatic nerve disabilities were denied. The lumbar spine disability was rated 10% prior to July 1, 2016, and 20% thereafter. The right and left sciatic nerve radiculopathy each received a 10% rating prior to April 6, 2021, and a 20% rating beginning that date.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for higher ratings under the applicable VA rating schedule due to limitations in range of motion. The right and left sciatic nerve radiculopathy were also rated at their maximum levels as they did not meet the criteria for more severe ratings based on the severity of paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spondylosis, radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve, radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 30, 2021
- Citation
- 21071490
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 21071490.
What this means for you
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an effective date of September 2, 2010, for service connection for radiculopathy of the left and right sciatic nerves but denied increased ratings for these conditions. The claims for increased ratings for knee and back conditions were remanded.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an initial 70 percent evaluation for the service-connected psychiatric disability and a TDIU, but denied other claims related to earlier effective dates and burial expenses.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 70 percent disability rating for major depressive disorder with primary insomnia effective December 16, 2019, and an initial 40 percent disability rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease from June 27, 2017 through December 6, 2021.
- Partly granted
The Board granted an August 10, 2022 effective date for the grant of service connection for hypothyroidism and denied increased ratings for tinnitus and a nonpainful and stable scar on the lumbar midline. Other claims were remanded.
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