The Veteran's lumbar spine scoliosis, DDD, and lumbar strain were granted a disability rating of 20 percent from July 17, 2002 to August 22, 2011. The right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve was also granted a disability rating of 20 percent from November 13, 2008. However, the left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve did not meet the criteria for an increased rating.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine condition met the criteria for a 20 percent disability rating under the amended criteria effective September 26, 2003. The right and left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve were also rated at 20 percent.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine scoliosis, degenerative disc disease (DDD), lumbar strain
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- January 12, 2023
- Citation
- 23002180
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 23002180.
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 appeals for service connection for right hand arthritis and left hand arthritis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve, and radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve have been remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with left sciatica. The right lower extremity sciatica claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome, spinal stenosis, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica have been granted as they are related to his active duty service.
- Granted
The Board has determined that the Veteran's back disability, diagnosed as lumbar strain, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine, is causally related to service. As such, service connection for this condition is granted.
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