The Veteran's left hip strain rating was reduced from 20% to noncompensable effective August 11, 2015. The compensable disability rating for the left thigh limitation of flexion prior to April 2, 2022 is denied. A 20% disability rating for the lumbar spine condition prior to June 12, 2017 and from October 1, 2017 to April 27, 2022 is granted. The Veteran's left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy is rated separately at least mild incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve. A TDIU is granted. Increased ratings for the lumbar spine condition and left hip limitation of motion are remanded.
The deciding factor: The reduction in rating was proper as there was improvement in the Veteran's ability to function under ordinary conditions of life and work. The compensable disability rating for the left thigh limitation of flexion prior to April 2, 2022 is denied due to pre-existing pain limiting motion.
- Claimed conditions
- Left Hip Strain, Lumbar Spine Condition, Left Lower Extremity Sciatic Radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 27, 2023
- Citation
- 23018764
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 23018764.
What this means for you
A remand is not a loss. The Board sent the case back for more development — often a new exam or missing records — before making a final decision. Many remands later end in a grant, and the decision spells out exactly what the Board wanted to see.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection of a left hip disability, finding that there was no medical evidence linking his current condition to his military service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for bilateral hip strain, as secondary to service-connected lumbar spine and right ankle conditions. A new VA medical examination is needed to determine if the Veteran's hip strains are related to her service-connected disabilities.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU) is granted, effective October 11, 2020. The TDIU award is based on the combined effects of her service-connected disabilities and their impact on her ability to maintain employment.
- Granted
The Veteran is granted a rating of 10 percent for each hip strain, impairment of thigh motion.,Compensable ratings are denied for left and right hip strains, limitation of flexion.
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