The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative changes were granted a 20 percent rating from May 31, 2016 to October 24, 2019. A higher rating is denied for this period.,A 20 percent rating was also granted for the right lower extremity radiculopathy from May 31, 2016 to October 24, 2019. The Veteran's TDIU claim prior to June 1, 2021 is denied.,The Board found that the Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative changes and right lower extremity radiculopathy warrant a 20 percent rating from May 31, 2016. The issues of entitlement to separate service connection for left lower extremity radiculopathy, TDIU after June 1, 2021, and higher ratings are remanded.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's thoracolumbar spine degenerative changes were found to have forward flexion limited to 35 degrees during flare ups, which is not less than 30 degrees. The right lower extremity radiculopathy was found to be moderate in severity.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar spine degenerative changes, Right lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- June 23, 2022
- Citation
- 22036351
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 22036351.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy was evaluated at a 20 percent rating, and the Board found that it did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew the claims for psychiatric disability and sleep apnea.,Service connection was granted for right lower extremity radiculopathy and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to a service-connected back disability, but denied for right wrist disability.
- Denied
The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative disc disease prior to August 1, 2025 was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the thoracolumbar spine.,The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for left and right lower extremity radiculopathy prior to March 10, 2025 were denied as there is no neurological impairment associated with these conditions.
- Denied
The Veteran's claims for service connection for headaches and lumbar spine disability, as well as left and right lower extremity radiculopathy, were denied. The effective dates for these conditions are also denied.
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