The Veteran's lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease was granted a rating of 40 percent from August 4, 2017, to January 8, 2024, and the claim for a higher rating since January 9, 2024, was denied. The Veteran's TDIU effective date was granted as of July 3, 2020.

The deciding factor: The evidence supported a 40 percent rating for lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease from August 4, 2017, to January 8, 2024, but did not warrant a higher rating since January 9, 2024. The Veteran met the criteria for TDIU as of July 3, 2020.

Claimed conditions

lumbar strain with degenerative disc disease, rotator cuff tear, right shoulder, patellofemoral pain syndrome, right knee, residuals of right ankle bursitis, right lower extremity radiculopathy femoral nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy femoral nerve, right lower extremity radiculopathy illio-inguinal nerve, left lower extremity radiculopathy illio-inguinal nerve

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

March 13, 2025

Citation

25003543

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