The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's low back disability and left lower extremity sciatica, as well as remanded the claim for a total disability rating due to individual unemployability (TDIU).
The deciding factor: The evidence did not support a higher rating for the Veteran's low back disability or left lower extremity sciatica, as it did not more closely approximate the criteria for a higher rating under the applicable diagnostic codes.
- Claimed conditions
- spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral spine with degenerative disk disease (low back disability), left lower extremity sciatica
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- October 22, 2024
- Citation
- A24067855
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.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for left and right lower extremity sciatica but granted separate disability ratings for neuritis and neuralgia.
- Granted
The Board granted a 40 percent disability rating for the Veteran's lumbar spine disability since September 26, 2024.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for multiple psychiatric and physical disabilities, including PTSD, bilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, left foot disability, left lower extremity sciatica, low back disability, and left arm disability.
- Dismissed
The appeal seeking service connection for left lower extremity sciatica is dismissed as the benefit was granted in full. The claims for a bilateral foot condition and right lower extremity neurological impairment were denied due to lack of evidence supporting current disabilities.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.