The Veteran's disability ratings for his lumbar spine and associated lower extremity radiculopathies were improperly reduced. The original ratings of 40 percent for the lumbar spine disability and 20 percent for each affected nerve were restored.
The deciding factor: The VA examination did not show actual improvement in the Veteran's condition, contrary to what was claimed by the reduction decision.
- Claimed conditions
- Chronic lumbosacral strain, Intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (lumbar spine disability), Left femoral nerve radiculopathy, Right femoral nerve radiculopathy, Left sciatic nerve radiculopathy, Right sciatic nerve radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- December 29, 2022
- Citation
- 22071975
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 22071975.
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 service-connected lumbar spine and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy disabilities prevented him from securing or following substantially gainful employment as of May 24, 2010.
- Granted
The Board has granted service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine, right and left sciatic nerve radiculopathy as proximately due to this condition, migraine headaches, dizziness, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a skin disability, and bilateral hearing loss. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted special monthly compensation (SMC) based on the need for regular aid and attendance, effective December 8, 2025.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for bladder cancer, heart disease, PTSD, back condition, and sciatic nerve radiculopathy.
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