The Board granted a 40 percent rating for the low back condition from September 12, 2012 to May 31, 2017 and denied higher ratings for cervical spine degenerative disc disease, left upper extremity radiculopathy, and right upper extremity radiculopathy. The Board also granted earlier effective dates of September 12, 2012 for the award of service connection for left and right lower extremity radiculopathies and special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance.

The deciding factor: The decision was based on the severity of the Veteran's symptoms and their impact on his daily life, as well as the evidence provided by medical professionals.

Claimed conditions

Low back condition, Cervical spine degenerative disc disease (neck condition), Left upper extremity radiculopathy, Right upper extremity radiculopathy, Left lower extremity radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve (left femoral radiculopathy), Right lower extremity radiculopathy involving the femoral nerve (right femoral radiculopathy)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

None in this decision

Decision date

November 13, 2025

Citation

25013972

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