The Veteran's service-connected lumbar spine disability and associated radiculopathies are currently rated at 10 percent each, with no higher ratings granted. The Board found the evidence insufficient to warrant a higher rating based on functional loss or impairment due to pain.
The deciding factor: The evidence did not show forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine to 60 degrees or less, combined range of motion of the thoracolumbar spine of 120 degrees or less, or muscle spasm or guarding severe enough to result in an abnormal gait or abnormal spinal contour.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbar degenerative disc disease (lumbar spine disability), radiculopathy, right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), radiculopathy, left lower extremity (sciatic nerve)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- August 22, 2024
- Citation
- A24049247
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 A24049247.
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.
- 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.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for a new VA examination to properly assess the current severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability and to determine whether he is entitled to a TDIU.
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