The Veteran's low back disability is rated at 40 percent, and the rating for right leg radiculopathy prior to February 8, 2016 is granted at 10 percent. The ratings for right leg radiculopathy from February 8, 2016; left leg radiculopathy prior to October 14, 2016 and from October 14, 2016 to January 10, 2017 are all denied. The ratings for right leg peripheral neuropathy, left leg radiculopathy after January 11, 2017, and left leg peripheral neuropathy after January 11, 2017 are also denied.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's low back disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it was found to be less than unfavorable ankylosis during flare-ups. The right leg radiculopathy and left leg radiculopathy were rated based on their associated nerve pathologies (sciatic and femoral nerves, respectively). The Veteran's peripheral neuropathy did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as there was no severe or complete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- Displacement of lumbar disc with left nerve root impingement and intervertebral disc syndrome (low back disability), Right leg radiculopathy, Left leg radiculopathy, Left leg peripheral neuropathy of the femoral nerve path (left leg peripheral neuropathy)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 30, 2022
- Citation
- 22018723
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 22018723.
What this means for you
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What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) due to weight gain caused by her service-connected cervical degenerative disc disease, lumbar facet arthrosis, left knee disability, and left lower extremity radiculopathy. The decision resolves all reasonable doubts in favor of the Veteran.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for thoracolumbar spine disorder, left leg radiculopathy, bilateral restless leg syndrome, and obstructive and central sleep apnea due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error in not obtaining adequate medical opinions.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 28, 2015.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a new examination and retrospective opinion due to deficiencies in previous VA examinations.
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