The Veteran's lumbar strain and spinal stenosis are rated at 40 percent prior to October 1, 2013. The rating for radiculopathy of the lower extremities is granted at a separate 10 percent from February 22, 2013. Right ankle arthritis and scars are each rated at 20 percent beginning April 17, 2023. Hypertension is rated at 10 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar strain and spinal stenosis were found to meet the criteria for a 40 percent rating prior to October 1, 2013, based on limited range of motion and associated symptoms. The radiculopathy is rated separately at 10 percent from February 22, 2013, due to its specific impairment in the lower extremities. Right ankle arthritis and scars are each rated at 20 percent beginning April 17, 2023, based on their current functional limitations.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar strain, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- November 3, 2023
- Citation
- 23059432
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 23059432.
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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's appeal for a compensable disability rating for service-connected migraine headaches is remanded due to the need for further evaluation and consideration.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeals for service connection for right hand arthritis and left hand arthritis have been dismissed.,The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating for lumbar strain, radiculopathy of the left sciatic nerve, and radiculopathy of the right sciatic nerve have been remanded.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board has granted service connection for lumbar strain and lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome with left sciatica. The right lower extremity sciatica claim is remanded due to a duty-to-assist error.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for degenerative disc disease, intervertebral disc syndrome, spinal stenosis, and bilateral lower extremity sciatica have been granted as they are related to his active duty service.
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