The Veteran's lumbar spine disability, LLE radiculopathy, and low back scar are rated at 20 percent effective February 7, 2018. The bilateral foot disability is rated at 30 percent effective July 2, 2019.
The deciding factor: The VA examination in March 2013 showed forward flexion to 75 degrees with no additional limitation following repetitive testing, and the Veteran's symptoms did not worsen significantly over time as indicated by subsequent treatment records. The February 2018 examination showed forward flexion to 60 degrees with pain on weight bearing.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease at the L4-L5 level (lumbar spine disability), Left lower extremity (LLE) sciatic radiculopathy, Bilateral foot disability
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- November 25, 2022
- Citation
- 22065859
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 22065859.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
New and relevant evidence has been received, including medical opinions from Dr. D.W. regarding the acquired psychiatric disorder and from Dr. G.S. regarding the bilateral foot disability and hypertension. The AOJ will readjudicate these claims.,The AOJ will also readjudicate the issue of entitlement to service connection for a bilateral foot disability based on new evidence submitted by the Claimant.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and remanded the issue of service connection for bilateral foot disability due to burn pit exposure.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has decided to remand the claim for eligibility under the PCAFC program due to a lack of proper notice and an inadequate medical opinion. The AOJ must provide complete notice as required by law, including identification of findings favorable to the claimant and elements not satisfied leading to the denial.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence has been received to reopen the claims for service connection for low back disability and bilateral foot disability. The claims are now remanded for further development, including obtaining adequate medical opinions.
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