The Board granted an initial evaluation of 40 percent for the thoracolumbar spine disability from May 19, 2015 through April 25, 2022, but denied a higher rating thereafter. The evaluations for right and left lower extremity radiculopathy were also denied.

The deciding factor: The Board found that the evidence did not support an evaluation in excess of 40 percent for the thoracolumbar spine disability after April 25, 2022, or higher initial ratings for the radiculopathies.

Claimed conditions

lumbar spine degenerative disc disease with intervertebral disc syndrome (thoracolumbar spine disability), right lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve (RLE sciatic radiculopathy), left lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve (LLE sciatic radiculopathy)

How they argued it

Direct service connection

Exposure basis

None

Rating assigned

40%

Decision date

March 5, 2025

Citation

A25020373

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