The Veteran's lumbar strain is granted a 20% rating from October 29, 2014 to March 31, 2022. A 40% rating is granted since March 31, 2022 for the same condition. The Veteran's right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are each rated at 20%. Service connection for cervical spine disability is remanded.
The deciding factor: The VA examiner found that the Veteran's lumbar strain had worsened to a point where it warranted a higher rating, leading to the grant of an increased rating. The service connection for radiculopathy was granted based on the evidence showing its association with the lumbar strain.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- September 27, 2022
- Citation
- 22055107
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 22055107.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal was dismissed due to their death during the pendency of the appeal.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found the eligibility determination for PCAFC enrollment to be legally inadequate and remanded for a new medical opinion that adequately addresses the criteria for eligibility as set forth in VA regulations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection of a low back disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding inadequate medical opinions due to failure to consider all relevant evidence.
- Granted
For the period prior to October 29, 2021, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(s) based on housebound status is denied.,For the entire appeal period, SMC under 38 U.S.C. § 1114(l) based on need of regular aid and attendance is granted.
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