The Board denied an initial disability rating in excess of 40 percent for DDD with IVDS and spinal stenosis, granted a 20 percent rating for radiculopathy of the right lower extremity, and denied increased ratings for meniscal tear of the right knee and right knee strain based on limitation of extension.
The deciding factor: The Veteran's lumbar spine disability did not meet the criteria for a higher rating due to the absence of symptoms such as unfavorable ankylosis or additional neurologic manifestations. The radiculopathy was found to be more nearly approximating moderate incomplete paralysis of the sciatic nerve, warranting a 20 percent rating.
- Claimed conditions
- Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) with Intervertebral Disc Syndrome (IVDS) and Spinal Stenosis of the Lumbar Spine, Radiculopathy of the Right Lower Extremity, Meniscal Tear of the Right Knee, Right Knee Strain Based on Limitation of Extension
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- April 3, 2025
- Citation
- A25030833
What this means for you
A partial grant means some issues were granted while others were denied or remanded — common in multi-issue claims. Look at which issues went which way, and how each was argued.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings for degenerative disc disease with spinal stenosis, radiculopathy of the left lower extremity, and radiculopathy of the right lower extremity.
- Partly granted
The Board denied increased ratings for the Veteran's back disability, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, limitation of pronation and flexion of the right elbow, and scarring, but granted a 40 percent rating from March 26, 2024 to September 17, 2024.
- Denied
The Board denied the veteran's claims for increased ratings and service connection, finding that the evidence did not support higher ratings or service connection.
- Denied
The Board denied increased disability ratings for the Veteran's back, radiculopathy of both lower extremities, and a surgical scar, as well as earlier effective dates for these conditions.
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