The Board granted restoration of the 40 percent rating for lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, denied a compensable rating for hemorrhoids, and denied ratings in excess of 20 percent for radiculopathy of both lower extremities and 10 percent for gastroesophageal reflux disease. The Board remanded claims for increased ratings for knee conditions and TDIU.
The deciding factor: The reduction of the lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis rating was improper due to procedural errors, while other claims were denied based on insufficient evidence of worsening symptoms.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, hemorrhoids, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, involvement of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, involvement of the sciatic nerve associated with lumbosacral strain with degenerative arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, left knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis, right knee chondromalacia patella with degenerative arthritis
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 21, 2024
- Citation
- A24067475
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 claim for service connection for hemorrhoids due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error, requiring an additional direct medical opinion.
- Granted
The Board granted a 10 percent rating for hemorrhoids, which fully satisfies the Veteran's appeal.
- Dismissed
The appeal regarding the proposed reduction of the Veteran's disability rating for radiculopathy of the left lower extremity was dismissed as it was not a final decision. The Board also remanded the claim for service connection for a left hip disability due to an inadequate VA examination.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for vertigo, incontinence, and GERD due to the lack of evidence supporting current diagnoses. The claims for hematuria and hemorrhoids were remanded for further development.
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.