The Veteran's lumbar spine disability and related radiculopathy conditions were granted increased ratings, with the lumbar spine disability receiving a 20% rating from June 18, 2015 to March 28, 2023. The initial ratings for RLE sciatic and femoral radiculopathies were also granted at 10%. These decisions are effective as of the dates noted.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability was found to have forward flexion greater than 30 degrees but not exceeding 60 degrees, meeting the criteria for a 20% rating under DC 5237. The radiculopathy conditions were also rated based on their severity and manifestations.
- Claimed conditions
- chronic lumbosacral strain (lumbar spine disability), right lower extremity (RLE) sciatic radiculopathy, right lower extremity (RLE) femoral radiculopathy
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- December 20, 2023
- Citation
- 23066954
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 23066954.
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 Veteran's back disability (degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine) is granted as service connected.,The Veteran's bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies (RLE and LLE sciatic radiculopathy) are granted as secondary to her back disability.,The Veteran's chronic sinusitis is remanded due to a lack of verification of the TERA exposure.
- Dismissed
The Board dismissed the appeals for service connection for various lower extremity radiculopathy conditions as they were granted in a previous decision, and there are no remaining allegations of error to address.
- Granted
The Veteran's claims for service connection have been granted with effective dates of April 18, 2023.
- Denied
The Board denied entitlement to ratings in excess of 10 percent for right and left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, from April 4, 2022, to July 13, 2025, and in excess of 20 percent thereafter.
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.