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
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- 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. Read the original VA decision (opens in a new tab) using citation 23046501.
What this means for you
A final Board denial may be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, generally within 120 days of the Board mailing date. A Supplemental Claim with new and relevant evidence is a separate option. Another Higher-Level Review of the Board decision is not available. Check your own notice: this historical decision does not set your deadline.
What you can do next
Use your own notice and decision stage. A remanded issue is not a final court-appealable denial. VA review guidance and CAVC filing instructions (U.S. federal; reviewed October 7, 2026).
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: Denied
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's service-connected disabilities and denied service connection for additional claimed conditions.
- Whole decision: 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.
- Whole decision: 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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