The Board granted a 50 percent rating for degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and IVDS, and 40 percent ratings for radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve in both lower extremities.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms met or approximated the criteria for higher ratings based on functional limitations and pain during flare-ups.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative arthritis of the lumbar spine with spinal stenosis, scoliosis, and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), Radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, left lower extremity associated with lumbar spine, Radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve, right lower extremity associated with lumbar spine
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 50%
- Decision date
- October 7, 2024
- Citation
- A24063607
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the matter for a new VA examination and medical opinion to determine the nature and etiology of the Veteran's claim for service connection for scoliosis.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claim for an initial disability rating higher than 40 percent for lumbar intervertebral disc syndrome, degenerative arthritis, degenerative disc disease, spondylosis with moderate-severe foraminal spinal stenosis and scoliosis to obtain a retrospective medical opinion addressing the severity of the Veteran's lumbar spine disability from August 24, 2012, to June 24, 2020.
- Denied
The Board denied the claim for service connection for scoliosis and found that the reduction in the combined disability rating for bulging discs in the lumbar spine, lumbosacral strain, degenerative arthritis of the spine, and spondylosis from 40 percent to 10 percent was proper.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for service connection for a back disability and for compensable ratings for bilateral hallux valgus, as there was no evidence of a current disability or functional impairment.
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.