The Veteran's claim for a higher rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spondylosis and intervertebral disc syndrome is granted, with a maximum rating of 40 percent. The claim for radiculopathy, left lower extremity (sciatic nerve) is also granted, with a maximum rating of 20 percent.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spondylosis and intervertebral disc syndrome was found to have forward flexion limited to 35 degrees or less, warranting a 40 percent rating. The radiculopathy claim was granted at a 20 percent rating based on sensory disturbance, loss of reflexes, and pain.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spondylosis 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
- July 10, 2024
- Citation
- A24036985
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 A24036985.
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 granted a rating of 20 percent for both the right and left lower extremity radiculopathy, sciatic nerve, as the Veteran's conditions were found to be moderate incomplete paralysis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a higher disability rating for degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome and bilateral radiculopathy of the lower extremities due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Partly granted
The Board denied service connection for bilateral hearing loss and radiculopathy, left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), while granting service connection for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) strain. The Board also granted a 30 percent rating for bilateral plantar fasciitis.
- Dismissed
The appeal for higher ratings for radiculopathy in the left and right lower extremities was withdrawn by the veteran, leading to the dismissal of these claims. However, TDIU was granted due to the impact of his service-connected disabilities on his ability to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation.
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