The Board has granted service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disability (DDD) and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as secondary to the Veteran's service-connected left hip disability.
The deciding factor: The VA medical opinions supported the presence of DDD of the thoracolumbar spine and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity as being proximately due to the service-connected left hip disability.
- Claimed conditions
- Thoracolumbar Spine Disability (DDD), Radiculopathy of Left Lower Extremity
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- October 16, 2023
- Citation
- 23056306
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 23056306.
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 PTSD with adjustment disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, effective May 23, 2025. Prior to this date, the Veteran's claim was denied due to insufficient evidence of an in-service stressor.
- Granted
The Veteran's initial 50% rating for migraine headaches is granted, and an increased 30% rating for right knee limitation of flexion from December 8, 2017 is also granted. Initial ratings of 40% and 20% are assigned for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity and left lower extremity respectively.
- Granted
The Veteran's TDIU claim from January 14, 2011, to February 22, 2018, is granted based on his service-connected right knee disability, right shoulder disability, lumbar spine disability, and radiculopathy of the left lower extremity.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's sleep apnea, lumbar spine disability, and left hip disabilities are being remanded for further examination to determine their etiology and severity.
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.