An initial 20% rating for low back disability was granted prior to November 1, 2019 and an initial 40% rating from that date onwards. A 10% rating for left lower extremity radiculopathy is denied prior to October 1, 2021.,A 10% rating for right lower extremity radiculopathy is denied prior to October 1, 2021. The issue of TDIU has been raised in conjunction with the rating claims now on appeal due to the Veteran's inability to work as a result of her service-connected disabilities.,The claim for increased ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to October 1, 2021 is denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability was productive of forward flexion limited to 60 degrees without further reduction upon repetition and when considering pain on movement. The evidence does not support a higher rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Low Back Strain, Sciatic Radiculopathy (left lower extremity), Sciatic Radiculopathy (right lower extremity)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 19, 2022
- Citation
- 22002550
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 22002550.
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted a rating of 40 percent for the Veteran's service-connected low back strain with degenerative arthritis, effective from September 26, 2008. The decision is based on functional limitation equivalent to forward flexion limited to 30 degrees or less due to pain and other symptoms.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's low back strain is rated at 40 percent, and the issues of IBS and CFS are dismissed. The Veteran's PTSD and depressive disorder with a major depressive episode do not meet criteria for a higher rating. Service connection is granted for cervical strain and right knee pain.
- Denied
The Veteran's low back strain disability was denied a higher rating prior to July 20, 2020. Separate ratings of 10 percent were granted for radiculopathy affecting the sciatic and femoral nerves in the lower extremities from July 20, 2020.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for various conditions, including erectile dysfunction, PTSD, depression, frequent urination, intermetatarsal neuroma right foot, left knee condition, right knee condition, low back strain, shoulder strain, and tinnitus, due to a failure to provide necessary examinations.
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