The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD and associated radiculopathy were granted increased ratings of 20 percent effective January 16, 2019. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was rated as 20 percent for the femoral nerve and sciatic nerve.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine DJD manifested limitation of motion to no worse than forward flexion to 40 degrees after repetitive testing, with pain during movement. The left lower extremity radiculopathy was productive of moderate incomplete paralysis of the femoral and sciatic nerves from January 16, 2019.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative joint disease (DJD)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 13, 2022
- Citation
- 22068419
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 22068419.
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)
The Board has remanded the claims for additional development due to inadequate VA opinions regarding the severity of the Veteran's service-connected bilateral hip and back disabilities. The claims are being returned to the RO for further action.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for a lumbar spine disability and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, finding that the Veteran's conditions are related to his military service.
- Granted
The Veteran's service-connected disorders, including lumbar spine DJD and bilateral knee DJD, have rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation since May 12, 2006. Effective dates for TDIU and DEA are granted as of that date.
- Denied
The Veteran's lumbar spine disability is currently rated at 20 percent, but the Board finds that a higher rating is not warranted.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy is currently rated at 40 percent, and the Board finds no basis to grant a higher rating.,The effective date for the 40 percent rating for BLE radiculopathy cannot be prior to October 7, 2022.
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