The Veteran's back disability is rated at 40 percent, effective from February 26, 2014, but prior to August 10, 2022. The rating for the left lower extremity radiculopathy was granted at 40 percent as of December 30, 2021. TDIU benefits were granted effective from February 26, 2014.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's back disability met the schedular criteria for a 40 percent rating since it resulted in loss of forward flexion to 30 degrees and other symptoms consistent with intervertebral disc syndrome. The left lower extremity radiculopathy also met the schedular criteria for a 40 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain syndrome with degenerative joint disease (DJD) and intervertebral disc syndrome, radiculopathy, left lower extremity (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 40%
- Decision date
- March 4, 2024
- Citation
- 24010385
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 24010385.
What this means for you
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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 involves multiple issues, including service connection for various conditions. The Board has remanded several of these claims due to new evidence received after the September 2023 rating decision.
- Denied
The Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not preclude him from securing or following substantially gainful employment.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Veteran's claims for increased evaluations of his service-connected radiculopathy, left and right lower extremities, are being remanded due to a duty to assist error in the March 2021 VA examination.
- Partly granted
The Board granted the restoration of a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy in both lower extremities and an initial 20 percent rating for left ankle degenerative arthritis, while denying a compensable rating for right hallux valgus.
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