The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with lumbar spondylosis and spondylolisthesis is rated at 20 percent, but the evidence does not support a higher rating.,Both right and left lower extremity radiculopathy are currently rated at 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative disc disease with lumbar spondylosis and spondylolisthesis did not meet criteria for a higher rating as it did not result in forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 30 degrees or less, or favorable ankylosis of the entire thoracolumbar spine.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative disc disease (L4/5 and L5/S1) with lumbar spondylosis and spondylolisthesis, Right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, Left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2023
- Citation
- 23046501
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 23046501.
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board has granted separate 20 percent ratings for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve, but denied higher ratings for right and left anterior tibial (deep peroneal) nerve involvement.
- Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and denied service connection for additional claimed conditions.
- Denied
The appeal was denied for an initial disability rating in excess of 30 percent for peripheral vestibular damage with vertigo of the left ear, and remanded for further evaluation of other conditions.
- Granted
The Veteran's right lower extremity radiculopathy affecting the sciatic nerve is rated at 20 percent, but no higher, throughout the appeal period.
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