The Veteran's thoracolumbar IVDS with DDD and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy have been granted initial disability ratings of 40 percent from November 4, 2019, and a separate 20 percent rating for the left lower extremity radiculopathy since July 1, 2016.,The Veteran's thoracolumbar IVDS with DDD manifested by forward flexion limited to 30 degrees from November 4, 2019.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar IVDS with DDD and associated left lower extremity radiculopathy met the criteria for a 40 percent disability rating since November 4, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Degenerative disc disease (DDD), Annular tears of intervertebral discs L4-L5 and L5-S1, Left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- February 25, 2022
- Citation
- 22011003
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 22011003.
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.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and other disabilities have been granted, including a TDIU based on his inability to secure or follow substantially gainful employment due to these conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbar disorder, diagnosed as DDD and a lumbosacral strain, has been granted service connection. The Board found that the disability is related to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for thoracolumbar spine degenerative arthritis and DDD was granted effective August 29, 2022. Service connection was established for vitreous syneresis / vitreous floaters of both eyes. The claims for service connection for refractive error of both eyes (myopia and astigmatism), bilateral hearing loss disability, residuals of a traumatic brain injury (TBI), obstructive sleep apnea, and an acquired psychiatric disorder (PTSD) were all denied.
- Denied
The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings and effective dates was denied. The decision specifically addressed the issue of an increased rating for PTSD, which was found not to meet the criteria for a higher disability rating.
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