The Board denied the Veteran's appeal for a higher rating than 20 percent for lumbosacral strain and intervertebral disc syndrome, finding the evidence supports only a 20 percent rating. The Board remanded claims for cervical strain service connection, higher ratings for bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy, and TDIU eligibility due to duty to assist errors and the need for additional medical examinations.
The deciding factor: The denial was based on examination findings showing forward flexion of 50 degrees and combined range of motion not greater than 120 degrees, which met criteria for 20 percent but not higher ratings, while remands were issued due to inadequate VA opinions that disregarded lay statements and lack of appropriate examination options for rating radiculopathy severity.
- Claimed conditions
- lumbosacral strain, intervertebral disc syndrome, cervical strain, bilateral lower extremity radiculopathy of the sciatic nerve
- How they argued it
- Secondary to another service-connected condition
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- 20%
- Decision date
- April 7, 2025
- Citation
- A25031856
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.
- Granted
The Board granted service connection for lumbosacral strain, finding that the Veteran's low back injury occurred during a period of active duty for training (ADT) and continued therefrom.
- Partly granted
The Board granted higher ratings for the Veteran's service-connected carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome of both upper extremities, but remanded claims for service connection for sinusitis, calcified lymph nodes on the lungs, and cervical strain.
- Partly granted
The Board granted a 20 percent rating for right leg sciatica with radiculopathy pain and paresthesia, but denied increased ratings for PTSD, lumbosacral strain, left wrist limitation of motion with ganglion cyst, and service connection for headaches, unspecified. Several issues were remanded.
- Dismissed
The appeals for restoration of ratings and for a higher disability rating were dismissed as the April 2025 rating decision did not make final decisions on these issues.
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