The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for various disabilities, including lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, left and right hip disorders, and left lower extremity radiculopathies.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating based on the severity of the Veteran's symptoms during the relevant periods.
- Claimed conditions
- Lumbar spine degenerative arthritis, Left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), Left lower extremity radiculopathy (femoral nerve), Left hip degenerative changes, Right hip strain with degenerative changes, Left hip limitation of extension of the thigh, Left hip thigh impairment, Right hip thigh impairment
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- January 4, 2024
- Citation
- 24000569
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Board granted initial ratings of 40 percent for lumbar spine disorder, 70 percent for major depressive disorder, and 40 percent for left lower extremity radiculopathy. TDIU and SMC based on housebound status were also granted.
- Denied
The Board denied higher disability ratings for the veteran's low back and lower extremity radiculopathies, pseudofolliculitis barbae, pes planus and plantar fasciitis, and left knee patellofemoral pain syndrome.
- Granted
The Board granted higher initial ratings for the Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the thoracolumbar spine with intervertebral disc syndrome and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, as well as an earlier effective date for service connection.
- Denied
The Board denied the Veteran's request for an earlier effective date for service connection for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine and IVDS, left lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve), and right lower extremity radiculopathy (sciatic nerve).
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.