The Veteran's increased rating claims for lumbosacral strain, cervical strain, left knee arthritis with internal derangement, right upper and lower extremity radiculopathy have all been denied.,Specifically, the criteria for a higher rating were not met for each condition.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's conditions did not meet the established criteria for increased ratings under the applicable diagnostic codes due to lack of evidence showing forward flexion or ankylosis that would warrant higher ratings.,For example, lumbosacral strain was found not to have met the criteria for a 40 percent rating (forward flexion less than 30 degrees) prior to September 19, 2022, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, cervical strain, left knee arthritis with internal derangement, right upper extremity radiculopathy (upper radicular group), left upper extremity radiculopathy (upper radicular group), left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- September 27, 2023
- Citation
- 23053746
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 23053746.
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: 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.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Whole decision: Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
- Whole decision: Granted
The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that it is related to his in-service injury. The claimant did not contest this decision.
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