The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his back condition prior to August 7, 2019 was denied as the evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or IVDS.,The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for his right sciatic radiculopathy from August 7, 2019 onwards was denied as the evidence did not show unfavorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or IVDS with incapacitating episodes having a total duration of at least six weeks during the past 12 months.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back condition prior to August 7, 2019 did not meet the criteria for a higher rating as it did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine 30 degrees or less, favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine, or IVDS.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spondylosis with multilevel disc bulge, degenerative arthritis, intervertebral disc syndrome, and stenosis (back condition), right sciatic radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 27, 2022
- Citation
- 22060315
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 22060315.
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.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection have been dismissed as he withdrew his appeals in August 2024.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that there was a duty to assist error regarding the Veteran's housebound status determination, and thus remands the case for further development.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate medical examination for rating right sciatic radiculopathy. The Veteran's claim of a higher disability rating is now pending and will be addressed after a new medical evaluation.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for right hip strain, right sciatic radiculopathy, lumbar degenerative arthritis with intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical strain with intervertebral disc syndrome, and left hip strain as these conditions are found to be at least as likely as not related to the Veteran's military service.
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