The Veteran's lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve) were granted initial disability ratings. The lumbar spine was rated at 40 percent from October 11, 2016 to February 22, 2018. The right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) received a higher rating of 20 percent from February 22, 2018.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability met the criteria for a 40 percent initial rating under the General Rating Formula for Diseases and Injuries of the Spine (DC 5242). The right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve) received an increased rating to 20 percent as it manifested in moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 3, 2023
- Citation
- A23030793
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 A23030793.
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 Board has granted service connection for lumbar spine degenerative arthritis and DDD, as well as right and left lower extremity radiculopathy secondary to the now service-connected lumbar spine condition. The decision is based on a finding of relative equipoise in the evidence regarding whether these conditions are related to service.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has found the eligibility determination for PCAFC enrollment to be legally inadequate and remanded for a new medical opinion that adequately addresses the criteria for eligibility as set forth in VA regulations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal is remanded due to inadequate VA examinations and a pre-decisional duty to assist error. Additional development is needed for service connection of carpal tunnel syndrome, increased ratings for lower extremity radiculopathies, and obtaining a VA TERA opinion.
- Granted
The Veteran's lumbosacral strain with IVDS and associated radiculopathies of the left and right lower extremities are granted at a 40 percent rating prior to December 27, 2023, and denied for ratings in excess of this level from that date.
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