The Veteran's PIP strain of the fourth finger of the left hand is granted service connection. An initial disability evaluation of 20 percent for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with DDD and IVDS is granted effective September 19, 2016. Separate 10 percent evaluations are granted for left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy and sciatic nerve radiculopathy beginning December 1, 2019.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's PIP strain of the fourth finger of the left hand began during service and is currently diagnosed. The lumbar spine disability meets criteria for a 20 percent rating based on limitation of motion. Separate ratings are assigned for left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy and sciatic nerve radiculopathy, effective December 1, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- Proximal Interphalangeal Joint (PIP) strain of the fourth finger of the left hand, Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with DDD and IVDS, Left lower extremity femoral nerve radiculopathy, Left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 15, 2022
- Citation
- 22046164
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 22046164.
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 low back disability is rated at 50 percent effective February 13, 2021. His left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy is rated at 80 percent from April 21, 2013 to February 12, 2021. The Veteran's TDIU claim has an earlier effective date of April 21, 2013.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected degenerative disc disease and associated right and left lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy disabilities have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board has granted TDIU on this basis.
- Granted
The Veteran meets the schedular percentage requirements for a TDIU due to his service-connected disabilities, which prevent him from engaging in substantially gainful employment.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected DDD thoracolumbar spine and associated radiculopathies of the lower extremities have caused a loss of use of both lower extremities, necessitating regular and constant use of assistive devices such as canes. As a result, eligibility for specially adapted housing has been granted.
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