The Veteran's disability ratings for his service-connected lumbar spine condition and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy were restored to their previous levels, effective October 1, 2018.
The deciding factor: The VA Regional Office reduced the Veteran's disability ratings based on a December 2017 examination report, which was deemed inadequate due to lack of information regarding flare-ups and functional loss. The Board found that the evidence did not support an improvement in the Veteran's condition.
- Claimed conditions
- status post lumbar laminectomy with residuals, lumbar disc bulge with S1 impingement (previously characterized as intervertebral disc syndrome), femoral nerve radiculopathy, right lower extremity, femoral nerve radiculopathy, left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating
- Not verified here — check the original decision
- Decision date
- October 4, 2023
- Citation
- 23054847
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 23054847.
What this means for you
A grant means the Board allowed the benefit or issue identified in this decision. Review the original order: other issues in the same appeal may have a different outcome, and this decision does not predict another claim.
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: Denied
The Board denied service connection for fatigue and a left ankle disability, as well as denied increased ratings and earlier effective dates for various disabilities.
- Whole decision: Partly granted
The veteran's increased rating claims for sciatic nerve radiculopathy, right lower extremity and right carpal tunnel syndrome were granted. The claim for the left lower extremity was denied.
- Whole decision: Granted
The veteran's PTSD and major depression have been rated at 100% from July 14, 2022. The veteran also qualifies for special monthly compensation (SMC) at the housebound rate starting August 17, 2022.
- Whole decision: Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic and femoral nerves remain denied. The Board finds that remand is necessary to obtain an addendum VA medical opinion explaining the examiner's decision regarding right lower extremity radiculopathy.
Free starter guide for your own claim
Reading this because you were denied or under-rated? Get the plain-English next steps — your appeal options, the deadline that protects you, and how appeals like yours turn out. One email, no spam.
We will only use this to send the guide. No spam, unsubscribe any time. We never sell your information.
We are not the VA. Veterans’ Rights is an independent resource built for veterans. We are not the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, not part of the government, and not endorsed by any government agency.
This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.