The veteran's claim for a higher rating for their back disability was denied. However, the veteran was granted ratings for radiculopathy in both lower extremities and service connection for chronic constipation and erectile dysfunction secondary to their back disability.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the evidence and criteria set forth in the Diagnostic Codes of the Schedule for Rating Disabilities.

Claimed conditions

degenerative disc disease with degenerative joint disease and intervertebral disc syndrome (IVDS) (back disability), radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (femoral nerve), radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (femoral nerve), radiculopathy of the left lower extremity (sciatic nerve), radiculopathy of the right lower extremity (sciatic nerve), bowel incontinence, chronic constipation, erectile dysfunction

How they argued it

Secondary to another service-connected condition

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

January 29, 2025

Citation

25001368

Want to see how appeals like this one tend to go? Appeals like mine