The Veteran's claims for higher ratings for lumbosacral strain with IVDS, left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, and unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a rating in excess of the current 20 percent for lumbosacral strain with IVDS or the current 10 percent for left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms and functional limitations were consistent with a 20 percent rating under DC 5237 for lumbosacral strain, but did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to ankylosis or incapacitating episodes. For left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, the evidence supported only a 10 percent rating based on incomplete paralysis.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS), left lower extremity sciatic radiculopathy, unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 27, 2024
- Citation
- A24078632
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 A24078632.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Granted
The Veteran's service connection claims for lumbosacral strain, asthma, melasma and hydradenitis, hypertension, an acquired psychiatric disorder (claimed as depression, anxiety, and stress), left shoulder disorder, right shoulder disorder, left knee disorder, a left foot disorder, and IBS have been granted. The remaining issues are remanded.
- Dismissed
The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for right foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is granted with an effective date of July 25, 2023.,The Veteran's appeal for a higher rating for left foot disability status post Mitchell's bunionectomy is dismissed as it does not meet the criteria for an earlier effective date.
- Denied
The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for unspecified depressive disorder with anxious distress and alcohol abuse, finding that there is no evidence of a current disability or a link to active service.
- Dismissed
The Veteran withdrew their appeal for service connection of a lumbosacral strain, resulting in the dismissal of this issue.
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