The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, right sciatic radiculopathy, left knee degenerative arthritis, and major depressive disorder are not rated higher than the current assigned ratings.
The deciding factor: The evidence does not support a rating in excess of 40 percent for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease, as there is no indication of unfavorable ankylosis or IVDS. The Veteran's right sciatic radiculopathy is rated at the minimum compensable level (10%). The left knee disability is rated at the minimum compensable level (10%). The major depressive disorder rating remains unchanged.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 5, 2022
- Citation
- A22024562
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 A22024562.
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 Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease was granted service connection. The case is remanded for a new VA medical opinion regarding the bilateral foot condition.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease is currently rated at 40 percent, which is the maximum schedular rating available for this condition. The Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted based on the evidence of record.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining Social Security Administration records and ensuring all pertinent medical treatment records are added to the claims file.
- Denied
The Board determined that the veteran's service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis and disc disease did not warrant a rating greater than 40 percent, as his disability was found to be productive of severe disablement but not pronounced intervertebral disc syndrome. The claim for total rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disability was also denied.
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