The Veteran's increased ratings for lumbosacral spine strain and sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity are denied as his disability picture does not warrant a higher rating under applicable criteria.
The deciding factor: The evidence shows that the Veteran’s symptoms do not meet or approximate the criteria for a higher rating, including forward flexion of the thoracolumbar spine greater than 30 degrees but not greater than 60 degrees and combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral spine strain, sciatic radiculopathy of the left lower extremity
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 10%
- Decision date
- December 20, 2024
- Citation
- A24085657
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 A24085657.
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Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Dismissed
The appeal of the proposed reduction in disability rating for lumbar decompression and fusion with lumbosacral strain is dismissed. The Veteran's initial higher disability ratings for sciatic radiculopathy of both lower extremities are denied, but he is granted a TDIU.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for a lumbosacral spine strain with degenerative arthritis, finding that the evidence did not support a link between the current condition and an in-service injury.
- Dismissed
The appeal for a disability rating in excess of 10 percent for lumbosacral spine strain is dismissed. The reduction of the ratings for left and right knee limitations of extension are found to be improper, and the original ratings are restored.
- Granted
The Veteran's claim for an effective date of June 10, 2021, but no earlier, for a 40 percent initial rating for service-connected lumbosacral strain with degenerative disc disease and degenerative arthritis has been granted. The effective date is based on the date of receipt of the formal claim.
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