The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for thoracolumbar spine disorder and bilateral lower extremity radiculopathies, finding that the evidence did not support evaluations in excess of 10 percent prior to February 20, 2023 and in excess of 20 percent thereafter for the thoracolumbar spine disorder, and no more than mild incomplete paralysis for the lower extremity radiculopathies.
The deciding factor: The Board determined that the evidence did not support higher ratings based on the severity and impact of the veteran's conditions as documented in medical examinations and reports.
- Claimed conditions
- thoracolumbar spine disorder, radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve (left lower extremity), radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve (right lower extremity), radiculopathy of the femoral nerve (left lower extremity), radiculopathy of the femoral nerve (right lower extremity)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- March 31, 2025
- Citation
- A25029321
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the issues of entitlement to increased ratings for a thoracolumbar spine disorder and bilateral knee disorders due to the need for additional VA examinations.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a cervical spine disorder, thoracolumbar spine disorder, and left hip disorder as they are inextricably intertwined with each other.
- Remanded (sent back)
The Board remands the claims for service connection for a thoracolumbar spine disorder, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss due to pre-decisional errors in verifying the Veteran's periods of service and obtaining necessary evidence.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher or additional ratings.
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